Cant copy files Remote Desktop?

You can copy any files to one or more client computers, except for system software files.

Copying files works fastest with a small number of files. For example, copying ten files that are 10 KB each takes longer than copying one file that’s 100 KB. For faster copying, copy a single file archive [like a .zip file] to remote computers. If a client computer is asleep when you attempt to copy items, you must use Remote Desktop to wake the target computer and then copy the items.

You can copy items by dragging them between Finder windows on your administrator computer, the Remote Desktop window, and control windows.

This can be good way to collect or distribute files between remote computers.

• Drag an item from a Finder window to a selected computer in the main window or in a control window.

  When dragging items to or from a control window, you need to consider the following:

  • The logged-in user must have write permissions in the location where items are being added.

  • If an item with the same name already exist in the location you’re copying an item, the item is copied and renamed with an appended number at the end.

  • Items copied are shown in the File Transfer window, and not logged as a task in History.

  Copied items keep their original owners and permissions.

You can copy items to any number of client computers simultaneously.

1. In Remote Desktop

   , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, select one or more computers, then choose Manage > Copy Items.

2. Add files or folders to the “Items to copy” list.

   • Click Add

     to browse local volumes for items to copy, or drag files and folders to the list.

   • If you want to remove an item from the list, select the item, then click Remove

     .

   Repeat this step until all the items you want to copy are in the list.

3. Select your copy options.

4. If you want to schedule this event for another time, or set it to repeat, click the Schedule button.

   For information, see Schedule tasks.

5. Click Copy.

   The items are copied to the indicated destination. If the copy is unsuccessful, an error message appears in the task feedback window.

You can copy files or folders directly from the Finder on your administrator computer to a control window.

1. In Remote Desktop

   , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, then select one or more computers.

2. In the Finder, locate the item or items you want to copy, then drag the items from the Finder to the client’s screen in the control window.

3. Select your copy options, then click Copy.

You can copy files or folders from a remote computer to the administrator’s computer.

To copy a file, you must find it by using a report or locating it in a control window. Alternatively, you can drag items from a control window to the administrator computer’s desktop. Copied items keep their original owners and permissions.

1. In Remote Desktop

   , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, select one or more computers, then choose a file search report to find the item.

   For information, see Search for files.

2. Select the item you want to copy in the report window.

3. Drag the item from the report window to the administrator’s Finder, or click the Copy To This Computer button at the top of the report window.

4. Select your copy options, then click Copy.

You can copy files or folders between remote computers.

To copy a file, you must find it using a report, and then select a target computer or list to receive the file.

1. In Remote Desktop

   , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, select one or more computers, then choose Report > File Search or Interact > Spotlight Search.

   For information, see Search for files.

2. Select the item you want to copy in the report window, then select one or more computers in the Remote Desktop window.

3. Drag the item you want to copy from the File Search report window to the selected clients in the Remote Desktop window.

4. Select your copy options, then click Copy.

You can use the Copy Items command to restore non-system files on client computers using a master copy. This is helpful to make sure each client computer has the same files.

The Copy Items command doesn’t copy system software that is hidden [not visible in the Finder]. You can’t use the Copy Items command to copy macOS system software to client computers.

You can start by creating a disk image that contains the macOS folders and files you want to copy. Alternatively, you can copy files from any local volume or removable storage devices. You can also automate the restoration process, as described in Schedule tasks.

1. Make a master copy of the volume that has the files to be restored.

2. Mount the master copy volume on the administrator computer.

   Master copy volumes must be local volumes, not mounted over a network.

3. In Remote Desktop

   , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, select one or more computers, then choose Choose Manage > Copy Items.

4. Add the master copy volume to the Copy Items list, then select your copy options.

5. If you want to schedule this event for another time or set it to repeat, click the Schedule button.

   For information, see Schedule tasks.

6. Click Copy.

When you run mstsc.exe [the client], go into options and go to the Local Resources tab. Ensure "Clipboard" is selected in the "Local devices and resources" group.

If you have a pre-defined .rpd file, right click to edit and get the options, then ensure you save the file to persist any updates.

Also check that clipboard integration is not disabled on the server. I'm not sure that a normal user can check this, but with suitable rights it is easy. On the server in Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration [or Terminal Services ... on older Windows versions] select properties for the connection and the Client Settings tab allows various client integration functions to be disabled [checking the checkbox disables the feature].

EDIT: Thanks to @Sergy for reminding me that clipboard integration can also be disabled on the server.

When you connect a computer using the Remote Desktop [RDP], at times, you cannot copy data between the source and the destination computer. When I say data, I mean the text or image available with the clipboard. One can also have trouble copying files between the computer. This post will show what you can do if you can’t copy and paste files or folders via Remote Desktop [RDP] clipboard.

Cannot Copy Paste in Remote Desktop [RDP] Session

To enable copy-paste in Remote Desktop Windows 10, do the following:

1. In the Start Menu, type Remote Desktop, and click when it appears on the list to open it.
2. In the RDP window, click on the down arrow button next to Show Options.
3. This will open the configuration setting, which will apply to all the profiles
4. If you have opened the RDP connection specific to the computer, the changes will apply to that only.
5. Switch to the Local Resources tab
6. Then check the box next to Clipboard.

This will ensure that anything you copy on the source or destination computer will be available on both the computer.

Copy and paste in Remote Desktop is not working

To access drives to copy files, click More and then select the source computer’s drive, which should appear on the destination computer.

This will make sure if you want to copy-paste the files or folder, then it will be possible.

If you change the setting for the global profile, it will remember and apply to all future connections.

Since it is one of the most used features, it is best to keep it enabled. However, if you do not want that, you can first save the connection as an RDP file and then change it later.

Apart from the clipboard and drives, you can also enable access to Ports, Smart cards, Video capture devices, and other Plug and Play devices.

I hope this post helps you copy-paste via the Remote Desktop [RDP] clipboard.