How To Fix Copy And Paste Not Working Error in Your Windows 10

One of the best reasons why computers are so convenient to use is the availability of shortcuts. For example, you can easily copy a text by clicking copy and paste. Furthermore, you can also use shortcut keys like CTRL+C and CTRL+V to duplicate items for you.

Copying and pasting are considered some of the most basic functions you can enjoy in any Windows device. When you copy an image or text, it stores it on a virtual clipboard. Unfortunately, there will be times when you may experience copy-paste function failing. In our article today, we will take a look at how to fix copy-paste function not working error.

Common Reasons for Copy And Paste Not Working

A common reason why you might experience this problem is due to your antivirus software. Sometimes, your antivirus program causes the function to fail. To fix the issue, you simply need to disable specific antivirus software features or disable the software entirely.

Plugin issues and incompatibilities may also cause some of your software to experience copy and paste not working errors. For example, a Windows office software, Remote Desktop, VMware, or AutoCad may suddenly block the copying and pasting feature.

Method 1 – Update Your Operating System

Updating your Windows 10 ensures that you get comprehensive and ongoing security protections. You can easily compromise your online security when using outdated files. Furthermore, your software will not work properly when you defer your Windows Update. Thankfully, you can fix this easily by utilizing your Windows Update tool and installing all the necessary updates.

1. Access your Run dialog box by right-clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your display. Next, you need to choose “Run”.

2. In the Run Dialog box, type “control update” and press OK.

3. This will open your Windows Update Tool. If an update is needed, download and install the update. Restart your PC and see if the copy-paste not working error still persists.

Method 2 – Restart Your Windows Explorer

Sometimes, you cannot use your copy-and-paste function when your Windows Explorer is malfunctioning. Fix this issue by simply restarting your Windows Explorer through the Task Manager.

1. On your desktop, press the CTRL + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager,” or simply press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to launch the task manager directly.
2. Click on the Processes tab. Next, right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

3. Wait for at least a minute, and then try using your copy-and-paste function again.

Method 3 – Restart the “rdpclip.exe” Process

The “rdpclip.exe” is the primary executable for File Copy. This file provides a function for the Terminal Services server that will allow users to copy and paste.

1. On your keyboard, press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to launch the Task Manager.
2. Click on the “Details” tab locate and click on the “rdpclip.exe” and click on “End Task.”

3. On your keyboard, press the Windows key and “R.” Next, type in “rdpclip.exe” in the run dialog box. Hit “enter” on your keyboard.

4. Check if the copy and paste functions are now working.

• See Also: Explorer.exe class not registered repair guide

Method 4 – Clear the Clipboard Cache

Your computer’s clipboard cache is a buffer that allows you to store and transfer data within and between programs. Most of the time, the clipboard will be temporary and unnamed, and the content will be stored in the computer’s RAM.

1. Hold down the “Windows” and “R” keys to bring up the run line command.
2. In the dialog box, type in “cmd.” Press “CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER” to run Command Prompt with administrator access and press Enter.

3. This will pull out the command prompt. Type in “cmd /c”echo off|clip” and then press “enter” on your keyboard.

4. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Method 5 – Disable Third-Party Clipboard Applications

Clipboard apps can considerably improve your copy-and-paste experience. These apps will hold multiple (copied) content, combining multiple clips, formatting texts, and other advanced features. Unfortunately, clipboard apps can sometimes cause conflict with your computer’s built-in clipboard and cause system errors.

Therefore, if you are using any third-party clipboard apps or managers, try disabling them. Restart your PC and see if it fixes the problem.

Method 6 – Disable RAM Optimization Applications

Whenever you copy and paste content, copied data will be temporarily saved in your computer’s Random-Access Memory (RAM). Sometimes, file-cleaning apps and RAM optimization software may clear clipboard data automatically to save space.

Any copied content will automatically be deleted when this happens, leaving the clipboard empty. If you use a third-party RAM booster, disable the app or modify its settings to ensure your computer’s clipboard data is not part of the optimization process.

Method 7 – Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC)

Another effective tool is the Windows System File Checker (SFC), which scans and repairs missing or corrupt Windows system files that can lead the copy-and-paste functionality to fail. Follow these procedures to conduct a scan using Windows SFC:

1. Hold down the “windows” key and press “R,” and type “cmd” in the run command line. Hold down both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.

2. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt window and press enter. Wait for the SFC to complete the scan and restart the computer. Once done, run the Windows Update tool to check if the issue has been fixed.

3. Once the scan is complete, make sure to restart your computer. Alternatively, you may run a full virus scan to ensure your computer is not infected with any viruses. Once your computer is back on, check if the copy-and-paste function has already been fixed.

Final Words

Copying and pasting is a convenient and easy way to move data and content across applications and software. While this is an essential function for all Windows 10 computers, sometimes, it will not work. The methods mentioned above help fix this error.