[Tutorials & Fixes] VNC Viewer Copy Paste on Windows, Linux, & Mac

VNC Viewer copy & paste texts

First, you'll need to know VNC Viewercopy paste files is impossible. You can copy and paste text via VNC between computers and devices, but you cannot copy and paste images or artifacts that are not text. If you need to transfer files via VNC, use the File Transfer Manager.

Copying and pasting text to VNC Server

Step 1. Copy text using your device's traditional methods, such as selecting it and pressing Ctrl + C on Windows and Linux or Cmd + C on Mac. The copied text is saved to the Clipboard.

Step 2. Position the cursor suitably in the VNC Viewer window and paste text in the expected fashion for the target platform by hitting Ctrl + V for Windows and Linux or Cmd + V for Mac. If you are connected to a Mac from a non-Mac, press Alt + V to emulate Cmd + V.

Copying and pasting from VNC Server

Step 1. Copy text in the VNC Viewer window in the expected fashion for the target platform, such as selecting it and pressing Ctrl + C for Windows or Cmd + C for Mac. If you are connected to a Mac from a non-Mac, press Alt + C to emulate Cmd + C. The text is copied to the Clipboard.

Step 2. Paste text in the standard way for your device, for example, by pressing Ctrl + V on Windows and Linux or Cmd + V on Mac.

Note: The text you select and copy on the VNC Server computer will be available to all other VNC Viewer users connected simultaneously.

How to fix VNC Viewer copy-paste not working

The main reason for VNC Viewer copy-paste not working is related to a process called "vncconfig" responsible for these clipboard transfers. Sometimes the program may get closed because of some bug in VNC or other reasons like you closed that window. To get those clipboard operations back, you can use “vncconfig &” and  “vncconfig -display :n &”. For example, follow the steps below if  VNC Viewer copy paste doesn't work on Linux.

Step 1. On the VNC Viewer, open Terminal and first check if you run "vncconfig &".

Step 2. If you still can't, check Terminal number n and run "vncconfig -display :n &".

AnyViewer: VNC-based remote desktop software with drag-drop file transfer

AnyViewer is a VNC-based free remote access software. Its clipboard sync feature allows you to copy and paste texts. It also allows you to drag and drop files and pictures from or to remote devices.

Besides, AnyViewer has many impressive features, for example, unattended remote access, instant chat, multi-session support, etc. You can download it to explore more.

Step 1. Download, install, and run AnyViewer on your devices.

Step 2. Create an AnyViewer account and sign into it on both devices.

Step 3. On your local device, go to Device, and you’ll see the devices here. Choose the target device, and click One-click control.

Step 4. During a remote session, you can drag and drop files during a session to transfer them.

Note: You can also click the Files button in the menu bar whenever you need to transfer files.

The bottom line

This post primarily introduces how to use VNC Viewer copy paste and how to fix VNC Viewer copy paste not working. As VNC Viewer doesn’t support copy-paste file transfer, AnyViewer is introduced if needed. AnyViewer is a free remote access software that runs on VNC and allows you to copy and paste files from or to remote devices. Try it right now.