Remote Desktop allows users to connect to a remote computer with ease. Remote access helps to manage apps, fix issues, and even perform administrative tasks on a computer. Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) connects a local computer to a remote PC over the internet or a network. It helps you to from any location, home, or office. A network connection under these circumstances is not required. While using RDC is an asset for companies or employees working from a remote location, it can sometimes become a challenge to operate it when you are unable to copy and paste to Remote Desktop session. If you have been encountering the same issue with your connection, then we have a perfect guide for you that will help you fix the copy-paste issue in your RDC. In this doc, we will be covering different ways to enable copy-paste in Remote Desktop and will also acquaint you with the method to disable this feature. So, let us begin right away and get to know all about enabling and disabling the essential copy-paste feature in your Remote Desktop.
How to Fix Unable to Copy and Paste to Remote Desktop Session
Usually, the inability to copy and paste in a Remote Desktop session can occur by default. While for some users, clipboard functions are disabled, others might face the issue even after enabling copy/paste functions. We will now discuss multiple methods below that will help you fix the issue considering different situations:
Method 1: Enable Clipboard Function
The first step to enable copy-paste in Remote Desktop involves ensuring that your clipboard function is enabled. This option can be turned on in connection properties. Know more about the clipboard function in detail in the steps below:
1. Launch the search bar, enter Remote Desktop Connection, and click Open.
2. Select Show Options in the pop-up box.
3. Now, in the Local Resources tab, select Clipboard, and click on More…
4. In the provided list, select Drive, and click on OK.
5. Now that you have enabled the ability to copy and paste between local and remote computer, select the General tab, and click on Save.
Method 2: Modify Registry Keys
The issue of copy/paste not working in RDP can also be resolved by making changes in the system registry editor. Follow the steps given below to make registry editor changes:
1. Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Now, type regedit command and hit the Enter key to launch Registry Editor.
3. Tap on the File tab and select Export from the menu to create a new registry backup.
4. Navigate to the given key folder path after creating a registry backup.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
5. Now, right-click on the space and tap on New to create a DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Next, rename the newly created value as DisableClipboardRedirection.
7. Now, double-click on it to set Value to 0 and click OK.
8. Right-click on the space again to create a new value by selecting DWORD (32-bit) Value.
9. Now, rename it as DisableDriveRedirection.
10. Double-click on it, set its Value to 0 and finally select OK.
Once the changes made are saved, close Registry Editor and restart your device. Now, check if the copy/paste not working in RDP has been resolved in your Remote Desktop.
Also Read: Fix Remote Desktop Cannot Connect to the Remote Computer
Method 3: Restart RDP Monitor Process
To enable Ctrl C and Ctrl V in Remote Desktop, you can also try killing the Remote Desktop Protocol monitor process (rdpclip.exe). This is also known as one of the most reliable methods to fix copy paste problem on Remote Desktop in Windows.
Note: Connect to the remote desktop/computer to perform the following steps.
1. Open the Task Manager window on the remote desktop by pressing Ctrl + Alt + End.
2. Open the Details tab and right-click on the rdpclip.exe process and select End task.
3. Now, select the File tab and click on Run new task.
4. Type rdpclip in the box and click on OK.
Now, the copy-paste function on your remote desktop should work.
Method 4: Enable RDP Clipboard Redirection on Remote Computer
You can also try to enable remote desktop clipboard redirection on the remote computer if you are still unable to copy and paste to Remote Desktop session. To enable it, perform the steps given below:
1. On the remote computer, press Windows + R keys together to open a Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter key to open Registry Editor.
3. Now, navigate to the given key folder path.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Wds\rdpwd
5. Now, set the fDisableClip value to 0 in the right pane and click OK.
6. Next, navigate to following key folder location.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
7. Set the value of fDisableClip to 0 and click OK.
8. Now, restart the PC after closing the Registry Editor and check if you are successful to enable Ctrl C and Ctrl V in Remote Desktop.
Also Read: Fix Remote Desktop Won’t Connect in Windows 10
Method 5: Modify Group Policy Editor Settings
The last method that you can opt for if you are unable to copy and paste to Remote Desktop session involves fixing the issue in Group Policy. Let us look at the steps below to find out more about this method:
Note: The following steps can only be performed on Windows Professional and Server versions.
1. Open the Run dialog box.
2. Enter gpedit.msc in the text field and hit the Enter key.
3. Now, navigate to the given path in Local Group Policy Editor.
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Redirection
4. Now, open the Do not allow Clipboard redirection policy on the right side.
5. Now, set this policy setting to Disabled, click on Apply, and then OK.
6. After closing Group Policy Editor, search Command Prompt on the search menu and select Run as administrator.
7. Now, enter the gpupdate /force command and restart the system.
Also Read: Fix The Diagnostics Policy Service Is Not Running Error
How to Disable Copy/Paste in Remote Desktop
You can also disable the copy and paste feature in the remote desktop with the help of Group Policy Editor. Follow the steps below to disable this function:
1. Launch the Run dialog box on Remote Desktop.
2. Type gpedit.msc command and press the Enter key.
3. Now, navigate to following location path.
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Redirection
4. Open Do not allow Clipboard redirection policy at the right side of the window.
5. Set the policy to Enabled, click on Apply, and then OK.
Once done the function of copy and paste will be disabled on your remote desktop. If you want to Enable copy-paste in Remote Desktop, then follow the above steps but select Disabled option in the Step 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is copy-paste function not working in RDP?
Ans. If the copy and paste function is not working in your RDP then it might be due to the rdpclip.exe program in the remote computer. Restarting the program can help you in resolving the issue.
Q2. Why am I suddenly unable to perform copy-paste command?
Ans. Sudden issues with the copy-paste command can arise from malware or viruses that can corrupt or disable the clipboard.
Q3. How can I send Ctrl Alt to a remote desktop?
Ans. To send Ctrl Alt to a remote desktop you can simultaneously press Ctrl + Alt + End keys on your keyboard.
Q4. What does Ctrl Alt Del do on a remote desktop?
Ans. The combination of Ctrl + Alt + Del keys on a remote desktop displays a menu through which Task Manager, Switch User, Sign Out, and Lock can be accessed.
Q5. How can I switch between the remote desktop and the local desktop using a keyboard?
Ans. To switch between the remote desktop and the local desktop using a keyboard, you can use press the Win + Ctrl + Left/Right keys simultaneously.
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We hope that our article on unable to copy and paste to Remote Desktop session was informative enough to guide you through different ways that can help you fix this issue. Let us know which method yielded a positive result for you. Also, for more suggestions, queries, or doubts, you can contact us by leaving your comments below.
