You're working on a research paper and you've found some good information online to add. However, for some reason copy and paste is not working on Windows. You've tried basic fixes like restarting your computer, scanning for malware, or checking for new Windows updates, but without success. So let's fix this.
And as you know, some websites and PDF disable copy-paste to prevent copying data. If that's the problem, here's how you can copy the unselected text.
1. Clear Your Clipboard History
Sometimes, some clipboard data may get corrupted, resulting in copy and paste not working on your Windows PC. So, clear the clipboard history and check if this fixes the copy-paste issue.
To do this, go to Settings (Windows + I) > System > Clipboard and then hit clear button next to Clear Clipboard Data.
Alternatively, you can use Windows key + V Shortcut to launch the Clipboard panel and then hit clear all button.
2. Run an SFC Scan
Corrupt system files can also cause the copy-and-paste function to malfunction on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. In such cases, one is running sfc scan This may help identify and repair corrupted files.
you just have to open it command prompt and run it as administrator, After that, enter the command “sfc/scannow” and hit enter,
3. Restart the rdpclip.exe process
Rdpclip.exe is a Windows process that manages clipboard functionality during Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions, ensuring seamless copying of text or files between computers. If the rdpclip.exe process fails to load, gets stuck, or encounters conflicts with other apps, restarting it may restore your copy-and-paste functionality.
To do this, open Task Manager On your PC, go to the Details tab, see More “rdpclip.exe” Process. Once found, right click Click on it and select end Task Option.
Afterwards, open and restart the program again. run order, admission “rdpclip.exe”, and clicking Ok,
4. Restart Windows Explorer
Often, when Windows File Explorer gets stuck or freezes, many functionalities including copy and paste may stop working. In such a situation, restarting it may solve the problem. Here's how to do it:
What to do if you still can't copy and paste?
This is a tricky situation, but we have some solutions that you can use as a temporary solution.
1. Remap your keys:
If the keyboard shortcut you usually use to copy text or files (Ctrl + C) isn't working, you can reassign the shortcut on your Windows computer. powertoys application. just navigate keyboard manager choose more remap a shortcut Option.
On the following screen, enter new shortcut together with existing shortcutthen press Ok,
As you can see in the animation below, we are using the Ctrl + Space shortcut to copy text and it is working as expected.
Pro Tip: You can use PowerToys to extract text from anywhere on your Windows 10 and 11 computer without relying on the clipboard manager.
2. On-Screen Keyboard:
Even if you're not using a touch-based Windows tablet or laptop, you can still use the on-screen keyboard. This is a handy option if you don't want to use third-party software like PowerToys to copy text. You can access the on-screen keyboard by pressing Windows key + Ctrl + O.
3. Use the mouse to copy: This may not work for everyone, especially if you don't have a programmable keyboard. But if you do, you can use the mouse software to assign a Ctrl + C shortcut to a specific button.
If you're not willing to try the options or they cause you too much trouble, your best option may be to go ahead and perform a factory reset on your PC. This will restore your system to its original state and may fix the copy-and-paste issue on your Windows computer.
