Cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine

If you cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine in Windows, then this post will help you resolve the issue. Remote Desktop is a virtualization technology that allows multiple users to access different virtual desktops located on a centralized server. It focuses on remotely securing a company’s data so that in case of hardware failure, relevant documents are not lost. It also enables companies to provide better management of their apps, thereby giving users access to certain apps and programs.

However, one of the challenges users can encounter while using a remote desktop is when they cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine. This can be a result of different factors preventing the operation from happening. Therefore, this article is prepared as a guide on how to fix the problem. Keep reading.

Why can’t I copy from Remote Desktop to Local Machine?

When you copy a file on your computer, it is temporarily stored in a holding place, called the clipboard. So if you cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine with this method, then you must suspect settings associated with the clipboard.

For instance, if the clipboard configuration is disabled, or the program’s executable file is not running, then you cannot copy data from such a remote desktop to a local machine.

Fix Cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine

There are several proven fixes that you can perform to fix the issue when you cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine:

Configure Remote Desktop Settings
Check Windows Clipboard Settings
Run Remote Desktop Clipboard
Configure Group Policy Settings
Use Registry Editor

1] Configure Remote Desktop Settings

Follow the steps outlined below:

Open Start menu and type “remote desktop connection” in the search bar. Then, open Remote Desktop Connection.
Click on Show Options, and navigate to the Local Resources tab.
Under Local devices and resources, ensure that the Clipboard option is enabled.
Click on the More button.
Enable Drives, then click on OK to save the changes.

2] Check Windows Clipboard Settings

Clipboard history is where data is automatically saved when you copy a file. So in the case that the Clipboard history is disabled, you may have a problem copying data from the Remote Desktop to the local machine. If the problem persists, check the Windows settings. Follow the steps outlined below:

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings, then navigate to System.
Scroll down the sub-options and click on Clipboard.
Enable the toggle in front or under the “Clipboard history” option.
Also, enable the toggle in front of “Sync across your devices”.
Subsequently, restart your computer, then copy data from remote desktop to local machine to confirm that the problem is resolved.

3] Run Remote Desktop Clipboard

If you still cannot copy data from remote desktop to local machine, run Remote Desktop Clipboard. The RDP Clipboard Monitor must be running to be able to carry out copy and paste operations. It manages such operations, so when service is not running well, you may encounter several challenges. Follow the steps outlined below:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
Type “rdpclip.exe”, then click on OK to open Remote Desktop Clipboard.

4] Configure Group Policy Settings

This is another proven solution that you can employ to resolve the problem and be able to copy data from Remote Desktop to local machine. You will disable some options under Remote Desktop Services. Follow the steps outlined below:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box, then type “gpedit.msc” and click on OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
From the left pane, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection
On the right pane, double-click on Do not allow Clipboard redirection.
Set it to “Disabled”, then click on OK and Apply.
Also, double-click on Do not allow drive redirection.
Disable the option as well, then save the changes.
Restart your computer subsequently.

5] Use Registry Editor

You can also use the registry editor to fix the problem. Follow the steps outlined below:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box, then type “regedit” and click on OK to open the Registry Editor.
Locate the address bar and enter the following address: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableClipboardRedirection.
Double-click on the newly created value, set the Value data to 0, and click OK to save it.
Right-click on the right pane again, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableDriveRedirection.
Double-click on the newly created value, set the Value data to 0, and click OK to save it.
Restart your computer subsequently.

That is all about how to fix the problem. However, explore the first three fixes before you configure Group Policy settings or use the Registry Editor.

I hope that this piece is helpful for those who cannot copy data from Remote Desktop to Local Machine. Good luck.

Read: How to use Remote Desktop over LAN on Windows

Why is my clipboard not working in remote desktop?

If the rdpclip.exe file is not running or its operation has been compromised, the clipboard will not work. Hence, that may be the reason why you cannot transfer files from a remote desktop to local machine.

Does restarting computer clear clipboard?

Usually, when you copy anything on your computer, it is temporarily stored on the clipboard, and it will remain there until you copy another thing, or you shutdown or restart the computer.

Also read: How to create a Remote Desktop Connection shortcut in Windows.