Enable copy paste from Remote Desktop to local machine

If the Copy-Paste functions are not working in Remote Desktop, continue reading below to fix the problem. Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) application makes it easy to connect remotely to another computer in a different location.

One of the most important features of remote desktop connection is the ability to access files on the remote computer and seamlessly transfer them from one computer to another. However, a common problem that users encounter with RDP is the inability to copy text or files from the local computer and paste them to the remote computer or vice versa.

The above problem, may be caused because by default, Microsoft has disabled the copy-paste feature that allows transferring files or text over the remote desktop connection and leaves users the option to enable this feature or not. In other cases, users are unable to copy and paste files to/from the Remote Desktop, despite having the clipboard feature enabled.

In this tutorial, you will find several methods for fixing the "copy and paste not working" problem on remote desktop connections.

FIX: Unable to Copy Paste in Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 11/10/8/7 OS.

Method 1: Enable Copy/Paste Functions in Remote Desktop Connection Properties.

To be able to copy and paste files and text when working with the Remote Desktop, you must first enable the Clipboard option in the connection properties:

1. Right-Click on the Remote Desktop Connection icon and click Edit. *

* Note: If you set up a remote desktop connection for the first time, click Show Options.

2. Choose the Local Resources tab, make sure Clipboard is checked, then click More…

3. From the list of options, check Drives, then OK. This will grant the remote computer permission to access files on the local device.

4. With these changes you have enabled the ability to copy and paste between the local and remote computer. Go to the General tab to Save the changes and then connect to the remote computer and see if the copy/paste problem is resolved.

Method 2. Kill the RDP Clipboard Monitor process: rdpclip.exe .

Terminating the Remote Desktop Protocol Monitor process (rdpclip.exe), is the most reliable method to solve the copy-paste problem when working with remote Desktop in Windows. To do that:

1. On the remote computer, right-click on the Start menu and select Task Manager (or press CTRL + SHIFT + END).

2. Select the Processes tab, locate the RDP Clipboard Monitor process and click End Task.

3. After "killing" the RDP Clipboard process, click the File tab in Task Manager and select Run New Task.

4. Type rdpclip.exe and click OK.

5. Once the command is complete, you should have no problem copying files or text from the remote computer to the client computer (or vice versa).

Method 3: Enable Remote Desktop Clipboard Redirection on Client Computer.

The next method to fix the Copy-Paste functions not working issue in Remote Desktop connection, is to enable the clipboard redirection in Registry* on the client computer.

*Important: Any incorrect modification to the Registry can cause serious damage and you may need to reset your computer. Therefore, be careful when making any changes to the Registry and always Backup Registry before.

1. On the client computer, press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open a Run dialog box.

2. In the text field of the dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor. Click Yes in the Confirmation Prompt that appears.

3. Navigate to the following path in Registry:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client

4. Now look in the right pane and ensure that the value data of the DisableClipboardRedirection is set to 0. If the value is 1 set it to 0 and close the Registry Editor. *

*Note: If the "DisableClipboardRedirection" value is missing from the above registry location, proceed as follows:

1. Right-click on any blank space on the right side, select New and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

2. Type DisableClipboardRedirection as the name of the new DWORD, then press Enter. By default, the value data will be 0.

5. Restart your PC and then check if the copy/paste function in RDP is working).

Method 4: Enable Remote Desktop Clipboard Redirection on Remote Computer.

Another method to fix the "Copy/Paste Not Working" issue in Remote Desktop, is to enable the  Clipboard Redirection on the remote computer. To do that:

1. On the remote computer, press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open a Run dialog box.

2. In the text field of the dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor. Click Yes in the Confirmation Prompt that appears.

3. Navigate to the following path in Registry:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Wds\rdpwd

4. At the right-pane, set the fDisableClip value to 0 and click OK.

5. Then navigate at the following path:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp

6. At the right-pane, set the fDisableClip value to 0 and click OK.

7. Close the Registry Editor and restart the remote computer.
8. Finally, connect to the remote computer and check if the copy/paste functions are working.

Method 5: FIX Remote Desktop Copy-Paste Not Working in Group Policy. *

If after following the above methods, you are still unable to copy and paste files and text between client computers and remote computers, then there is probably a policy that prevents you from doing so. At such a case, proceed and ensure that the "Clipboard Redirection" is enabled in Group Policy. *

* Notes:
1. This method applies only to Windows Professional and Server Versions.
2. Make the following change in Group Policy on both PCs (client & remote).

1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open a Run dialog box.

2. In the text field of the dialog box, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor. Click Yes in the Confirmation Prompt that appears on your screen.

2. Navigate to the following path in Group Policy Editor:

• Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Redirection

3. On the right side, open the Do not allow Clipboard redirection policy.

4. Set the policy setting to Disabled and click Apply > OK *

* Note: By default, the setting is "Not Configured". Therefore, if you select "Disabled", then users will be able to copy and paste between the client and the remote computer, through Remote Desktop Connection.

5. Close the Group Policy Editor.

6. Finally, open Command Prompt as Administrator and give the following command to update the group policy or restart the computer.

That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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