copy and paste not working windows 10

Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste, Copy and paste function allow you to duplicate and transfer information or content such as text, images, or files, from one location to another within a digital environment. When you copy an image or text it is stored in the computer’s temporary memory called the clipboard. And when you choose the “Paste” option from the context menu, or press Ctrl+V The content from the clipboard is inserted at the target location. However, at times you may notice Copy and paste not working after Windows 10 update. A few users report, copy and paste suddenly stopped working after Windows 10 upgrade. This article explores the reason behind this and how to enable copy and paste in Windows 10.

Copy and paste not working Windows 10

There are a number of reasons why Copy and paste not working Windows 10, temporary glitches, software interference, outdated Windows version or device drivers, or corrupted system file are common. Again it may be Third-party anti-virus software blocking or disk errors and bad sectors prevent the copy and paste function on Windows 10.

Malfunctioning keyboards or mice can affect copy and paste functionality. Checking the hardware and ensuring they are properly connected can help resolve this problem.

Whatever the reason, here we have a few working solutions apply to fix the problem and enable copy and paste in Windows 10.

Restart your computer

Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve minor glitches and restore normal functionality. Start by closing all applications and restarting your computer. After the restart, attempt to use the copy and paste function again and see if the problem persists.

To restart Windows 10 computer, Click on the start menu -> power icon -> select the Restart option.

Restart windows 10

In addition, perform a full system scan for virus or malware infection with the latest updated antivirus or Windows security to ensure malware infection does not prevent copy and paste function on Windows 10.

Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is responsible for managing the graphical interface of the Windows operating system, including the taskbar, desktop, and file management. It might be due to Windows Explorer malfunctioning, you are unable to copy and paste files or folders from one directory to another.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open task manager,
  • In the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

Restart Windows Explorer

Once Windows Explorer restarts, try using the copy and paste function again and check if the issue is resolved.

Update windows 10

Sometimes Outdated Windows 10 versions or certain system glitches can have compatibility issues that may affect the functionality of various features, including copy and paste not working on Windows 10. Let’s check for and install the latest Windows 10 updates that include the latest bug fixes and improvements, which can help address any underlying issues that may be causing problems with copy and paste.

  • Press Windows key + I to open the settings app
  • Go to “Update & Security.” then  “Windows Update” and, click on “Check for updates.”
  • If updates are available, Windows will start downloading and installing them.
  • Once the updates are installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

windows 10 update

Additionally, consider updating your keyboard and mouse drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Clear the Clipboard Cache

The clipboard cache stores temporary data that you copy or cut, and if it becomes corrupted, it can cause problems with the copy and paste functionality. And clearing the clipboard cache can sometimes help restore the functionality.

  • Press Windows key + S and type cmd, right-click on the command prompt select run as administrator,
  • Now run the command echo off | clip and press enter key to execute.

clear clipboard command

This command clears the contents of the clipboard.

In addition, tweak the Windows registry help a few uses to fix the problem.

  • Open the registry editor and navigate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Clipboard.
  • Open IsCloudAndHistoryFeatureAvailable and Set Value data to 1 and Click OK to save the new changes.

Registry tweak to fix copy and paste not working

Now try copying and pasting again to see if the issue is resolved.

Disable Third-Party Clipboard Applications

In some cases, third-party antivirus or security software can interfere with copy and paste functionality. Temporarily disable or uninstall such software and check if the issue persists. If copy and paste start working, consider updating or replacing your security software with a compatible version.

Sometimes, these applications can conflict with the native clipboard functionality and cause disruptions.

  1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
  2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab.
  3. Look for any clipboard-related applications in the list.
  4. Right-click on the application and select “Disable” or “Disable at startup.”

Now try copying and pasting again to check if the issue is resolved.

Run the Windows System File Checker

Copy and paste function relies on various system files and processes to work correctly. If due to some reason, any of the related files become corrupted, it can lead to disruptions in the copy and paste operation. If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem, run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands that can fix corrupted system files.

  • Right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
  • Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. Let the scan complete and follow any repair instructions if prompted.

sfc command windows 11

  • Next un the DISM command by typing “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter.
  • Once the process completes, restart your computer and test the copy and paste function.

Disable RAM Optimization Applications

RAM optimization applications or memory managers can sometimes interfere with system processes and disrupt the normal functioning of features like copy and paste. And disabling RAM optimization applications can potentially help fix copy and paste not working on Windows 10.

  1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
  2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Startup” tab.
  3. Look for any RAM optimization or memory management applications in the list.
  4. Right-click on the application and select “Disable” or “Disable at startup.”

Disabling these applications ensures that they don’t interfere with the normal functioning of your system processes, including copy and paste operations.

Repair Disk drive errors

Copying and pasting files involves reading and writing data to and from the disk drive. If there are errors or bad sectors on the disk, it can result in data corruption or interruptions, affecting the copy and paste function on Windows 10.

Disk drive errors or bad sectors on your hard drive can potentially cause issues with copy and paste functionality in Windows 10.

  • Open command prompt as administrator,
  • Type command chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press enterkey,
  • Type “Y” and press Enter to schedule the disk check for the next restart

check disk for errors windows 10

This will perform a comprehensive disk check, fix file system errors, scan for bad sectors, and force a dismount of the volume if required. Once the scanning complete, reboot your PC and check if the search function

Restart the “rdpclip.exe” Process

The “rdpclip.exe” process is responsible for managing the clipboard functionality in Remote Desktop sessions. If copy paste not working in remote desktop, restarting the “rdpclip.exe” process can help resolve the issue.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  •  locate RDP Clipboard (or rdpclip.exe) in the Processes tab. Right-click on the process and select End Task.
  • Now click on File then Run new task, type “rdpclip.exe” and click ok,

The “rdpclip.exe” process will be restarted, and this can help resolve any clipboard-related issues within your Remote Desktop session.

Corrupted user profiles may cause frustrations with copy and paste not working. You can set up a new user profile and see if it helps.

Create user account for this PC

Also Performing a system restore can potentially help resolve copy and paste issues in Windows 10. That reverts your computer’s settings and system files to a previous point in time when everything was functioning correctly.

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Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.