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Jun 4, 2024 · It can be annoying when copy and paste doesn't work on Windows. Learn how to resolve this problem with straightforward troubleshooting steps.
- Ryan Dube
- Go to This PC and right click your hard drive.
- Choose Properties from the menu.
- When Properties Window opens, go to the Tools tab and click the Check button under the Error checking section to check your hard drive for errors.
- Check your antivirus. Using good antivirus software is important, but sometimes your antivirus can cause this problem to appear. To fix the issue, it’s advised to disable certain antivirus features and check if that helps.
- Restart Windows Explorer. You might be unable to copy and paste files or folders from one directory to another if the Windows Explorer is malfunctioning.
- Update and Restart the Application. In the case that this problem is specific to an application, close and reopen the application. The problem with copy and paste not working could also be due to a software bug.
- Clear the Windows Clipboard Cache. This is another solution worth trying. Right-click on the Start button and click Command Prompt (Admin) on the Quick Access menu.
- Troubleshoot Your Keyboard. There are several ways to copy and paste content on Windows 10. The Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V keyboard shortcuts are the easiest, no doubt.
- Repair image and system files. Click the Search icon on the taskbar, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow.
- Clear clipboard data. Press Start (the taskbar button) and click the Settings app that’s pinned on the menu. Select Clipboard within Settings’ System tab.
- Start the RDP Clipboard Monitor. Press Task Manager’s Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to view that process management tool. Click Task Manager’s File menu and select Run new task.
- Restart Windows File Explorer. Right-click the Start icon and select the Task Manager shortcut on the Power User menu. Click Processes if Task Manager doesn’t open with that tab selected.
- Rule Out App-Specific Issues. Before proceeding to the main troubleshooting steps, ensure the problem isn't limited to a single app. If you are unable to copy-paste text within a particular app, close it and try copy-pasting in another application.
- Try an Alternative Method. There are two main ways to copy and paste text on Windows: using the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V keyboard shortcuts and through the context menu, which you access by pressing the right-click on a mouse.
- Troubleshoot Your Keyboard Keys and Shortcuts. In case you are unable to copy-paste text using the keyboard shortcuts, ensure the keys are not broken.
- Restart File Explorer. Restarting File Explorer often fixes issues with the graphical user interface (GUI). If you are unable to copy-paste through the context menu in the file manager application, restart the File Explorer process (referred to as Windows Explorer) using Task Manager.
Aug 9, 2024 · Try running the SFC and DISM scans to fix issues caused by corrupt system files. To ensure smooth copy-and-paste functionality, avoid using third-party clipboard managers and RAM...
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Sep 1, 2021 · Every time you copy a text or an image, Windows 10 saves it on a virtual clipboard. When you paste it, you paste it from the clipboard. However, if the clipboard stops working correctly, you can’t copy and paste anymore. Fortunately, fixing this issue is an easy job.
