Unable to perform the Paste operation when transferring data from one machine to another

Last updated on Dec 09, 2021

Problem

Copy/Paste action is not working on the remote computer. 

Cause

This issue may occur if another running third party application is utilizing the clipboard. Known examples of such products are Windows RDP, other remote desktop applications, virtual machines such as VMWare, VirtualBox, etc.

Solutions

  • Use the Drag&Drop method to transfer data (link to drag&drop) or
  • Temporarily close the application that is utilizing the clipboard.


Affected operating systems:

  • Windows XP
  • Windows Server 2003
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows Server 2008/R2
  • Windows Server 2012/R2
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8/8.1
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11