How to Fix Copy–Paste (Clipboard) Not Working in RDP

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Copy–paste may stop working in Remote Desktop due to disabled clipboard options, a stuck RDP clipboard service, or group policy restrictions. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

Check Clipboard Option in RDP Client

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Open Remote Desktop Connection.

Click Show Options.

Go to the Local Resources tab.

Under Local devices and resources, make sure Clipboard is checked.

Reconnect to the server.

Restart the RDP Clipboard Service (rdpclip.exe)

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Inside the RDP session:

Press Win + R, type:

cmd

and press Enter.

Run these commands:

taskkill.exe /IM rdpclip.exe /F
start rdpclip.exe

This restarts the Windows clipboard service used by RDP.

Restart Remote Desktop Services (If Needed)

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Note: This will disconnect your session.

Run:

net stop termservice
net start termservice

Reconnect afterward.

Make Sure Clipboard Redirection Is Enabled in Group Policy

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If policies block clipboard usage, copy-paste will not work.

Press Windows + R → type:

gpedit.msc

and press Enter.

Navigate to:

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

Find the setting:

“Do not allow clipboard redirection”

Set it to:

Disabled

(Disabled = Clipboard allowed)

Apply the policy immediately:

gpupdate /force

Reconnect and test again.

Verify RDP Service Dependencies

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Sometimes, required services are stopped.

Open Services (services.msc) and ensure the following are running:

• Remote Desktop Services

• Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector

• Clipboard User Service (Windows 10/11)

Restart them if needed.

By applying the above fixes, you should be able to restore copy-paste in RDP without needing further intervention.