how to fix copy and paste windows 10

Copy and paste is one of the most often used features on any computing platform. As convenient as it is, no one wants to deal with copy and paste not working in Windows 10. Usually, simply using Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste is all you need to do. Alternatively, you can right-click with your mouse, using the menu to copy and paste. But when those functions don't work, it's frustrating. It's time to fix copy-paste to get back to normal.

Common Quick Fixes

If copy and paste not working is a sudden issue, one of several quick fixes may be all you need. Try the following to fix copy and paste the quick way:

1. Restart your computer
2. Test copy and paste in another app
3. Run a virus scan

As with most Windows 10 issues, one of the quickest ways to fix copy and paste not working in Windows 10 is to restart your computer. That doesn't always work, but sometimes this fixes a temporary glitch.

Another option is to see if copy and paste works in any other app or program. If it's working in your browser but not in Microsoft Office, try updating the problematic app or uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Finally, run a virus scan. Usually, viruses want you to use copy and paste, as this helps gather more personal data. However, some disable basic function. Always check to see if a virus is the culprit when something's not working right. This is a great option for troubleshooting anything from "why is my copy and paste not working" to "why is my CPU usage so high."

How to Fix Copy and Paste Not Working Issue

When you can't copy and paste, it might feel like you've lost a critical functionality, especially if you rely on it for increased productivity. There are a variety of causes, and finding the right one means taking the solutions one by one until you've restored full copy paste functionality. The most common solutions include:

1. Update Windows
2. Disable antivirus software (only temporarily)
3. Run Check Disk utility
4. Try rdpclip.exe
5. Go back in time with System Restore
6. Scan for corrupt files
7. Set up a new user profile
8. Disable MS Office Send to Bluetooth add-on
9. Disable shared clipboard in virtual machine

1. Update Windows

Certain system glitches can result in copy paste not working. You can fix it by updating Windows, as Microsoft constantly adds new updates that come with critical patches. To do this:

1. Click Start and select "Settings -> Update & Security."

2. Click "Check for updates." Windows will check for available updates and download and install them once you restart your computer.

2. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

A good antivirus software is critical to your computer's security, but sometimes it causes conflicts with the system and may lead to copy and paste not working. To resolve this, disable some features of your antivirus temporarily, but if it doesn't help, disable it entirely.

If it does help, consider changing your antivirus software. There are many options available that won't interfere with your system yet still offer great protection.

If you've been using the same antivirus for a while, it's likely not the cause.

3. Run Check Disk Utility

Corrupt programs or system files can lead to copy-paste not working in Windows 10. A chkdsk scan can help resolve copy and paste issues. To do this:

1. Open File Explorer and select "This PC."

2. Right-click your hard drive and select "Properties."

3. Go to the "Tools" tab and click "Check" under "Error checking."

Alternatively, you can run Check Disk from the Command Prompt. To do this:

1. Right-click Start and choose Run.

2. Type "cmd" and click OK.

2. Enter the following command at the prompt:

Replace X with the letter representing your system drive – usually C by default.

If you get an access denied error, close the Command Prompt window. Open Start, type "cmd," and select "Run as administrator" under Command Prompt.

3. When asked to schedule a scan, press "Y."

4. Restart your computer and check whether the problem is gone.

4. Run rdpclip.exe

In order to fix copy and paste not working, you may need to end the rdpclicp.exe process and restart it. The RDP Clip process controls copy-paste function between the local PC and the remote desktop. If something's not working right with the process, you can't copy and paste on the local machine, only a remote desktop. Restarting it helps solve the problem. To do this:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to start Task Manager.

2. Go to the "Details" tab.

3. Right-click the "rdpclip.exe" process.

4. Select "End task."

5. Go to the Windows/system32 folder.

6. Look for "rdpclip.exe" and run it.

5. System Restore

If an update or app you installed recently is causing copy-paste not working issues, you can restore Windows back to a restore point. While a System Restore won't change your personal files, it may remove recently installed drivers, updates, and apps.

It restores your computer back to an earlier point in time when the copy-paste function worked normally. Restore points are generated whenever you install new drivers, apps, or Windows updates, or when you create them manually.

To perform a system restore, follow the steps below:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. In the search box, type "Recovery" and press Enter.

3. Select "Recovery."

4. Select "Open System Restore -> Next."

5. Choose the restore point related to the problem driver, app or update.

6. Select "Next -> Finish."

Note: if there aren't any restore points, the system protection might be turned off. To enable it (turn it on), take these steps:

1. Open Control Panel and search for "Recovery."

2. Select "Recovery -> Configure System Restore -> Configure."

3. Select "Turn on system protection" box.

6. Scan for Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files wreak havoc with how Windows 10 works. Another way to fix copy and paste not working in Windows 10 is to run two built-in Windows utilities: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). Start with SFC, and if that doesn't help, then run DISM. You'll need to use a command prompt or PowerShell for both.

Use this SFC guide to learn how to use the tool and understand what the results mean. This guide on both SFC and DISM shows you exactly how to use both commands.

7. Set Up a New User Profile

Corrupted user profiles may cause copy and paste not working frustrations. You can set up a new user profile and see if it helps. To set up a new user profile, do the following:

1. Click Start and select Settings.

2. Select Accounts.

3. Click "Family & Other people."

4. Click "Add someone else to this PC."

5. Type a user name, password, and password hint.

6. Select Next.

If the problem persists with the new user profile, try the next solution.

8. Disable Send to Bluetooth Add-on

This add-on is associated with Microsoft Office and can be found under Add-ons in Office software. Check every installed tool for this add-on and disable it in each Office tool.

9. Disable Shared Clipboard in Virtualbox

Virtualbox helps you run a virtual machine on your computer, but some of its features may interfere with the system, such as the shared clipboard. To fix the problem, disable this feature and try the copy-and-paste function again.

Wrapping Up

Now that you have copy and paste working again in Windows, learn how you can cut, copy and paste text in PDF files or even copy and paste in the command prompt.

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Crystal Crowder

Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

how to fix copy and paste windows 10

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