How to Fix Copy and Paste Not Working in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with an improved clipboard that allows you to copy multiple items to the clipboard and paste them as needed. But still the feature may stop working on your computer.

Mainly this problem can occur due to corrupted system files or temporary glitches with Windows File Explorer. Here we bring you the best solution so you can fix it.

How to Fix Copy and Paste Not Working in Windows 11

The seamless operation of the clipboard, a cornerstone of efficient digital workflows, is paramount for any Windows 11 user. When copy-and-paste functionality malfunctions, it can significantly disrupt productivity. 

Initial Measures:

Clearing Clipboard History: Access the Settings application via the "Win + I" key combination. Navigate to the "System" tab and locate the "Clipboard" section. Click the "Clear" button adjacent to "Clear clipboard data" to eliminate any potentially corrupted or problematic information stored within the clipboard.

System Restart (Optional): A simple system restart can often refresh hardware components and essential Windows services, potentially resolving temporary glitches that might be hindering copy-paste functionality.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques:

Clean Boot for Conflict Isolation: A clean boot allows Windows 11 to launch with a minimal set of drivers and core programs. This facilitates the identification of potential third-party application conflicts that could be disrupting the copy-paste function. Consult online resources for detailed instructions on performing a clean boot in Windows 11. This typically involves systematically disabling non-essential startup programs and services before restarting your PC in clean boot mode. Test the copy-paste function afterwards. If it works as expected, a conflicting program might be the culprit. Systematically re-enable disabled programs one by one, testing the clipboard function after each reactivation to pinpoint the problematic software.

Ensuring System Updates: Outdated system software can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. Open the Start menu and navigate to Settings. Locate the "Windows Update" section and check for available updates. Installing the latest Windows updates can provide critical bug fixes and performance improvements that might resolve the copy-paste issue.

File Explorer Restart: Press "Win + X" to access the WinX menu and select "Task Manager." Locate and right-click on "Windows Explorer" within the Task Manager window. Select "Restart" from the context menu. This can sometimes rectify malfunctioning clipboard functionality within File Explorer.

Keyboard Troubleshooter: Launch the Settings app by pressing "Win + I." Scroll down and click on "Troubleshoot" within the Settings menu. Select "Other troubleshooters" and click the "Run" button next to "Keyboard." This built-in troubleshooter can diagnose and potentially rectify common keyboard issues related to malfunctioning drivers or incorrect keyboard configuration.

Resetting rdpclip.exe (Advanced): Press "Win + X" and select "Task Manager" from the WinX menu. Locate the "Details" tab within Task Manager and find "rdpclip.exe." Right-click on it and select "End task". This resets the process responsible for clipboard functionality when copying and pasting between local and remote computers.

Hardware and System Integrity Checks:

Keyboard Hardware Check (Optional): Perform a basic check to ensure your keyboard's Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V shortcuts are functioning correctly. A faulty Ctrl key might be causing the problem.

System File Checker: Press the Windows key, type "cmd," right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator." In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow (without quotation marks) and press Enter. This command initiates the System File Checker tool, which scans your system for corrupted system files and attempts to repair them.

New User Account Creation (Advanced): Create a new local user account in Windows 11. This helps determine if the copy-paste problem is specific to your current user profile. Log in to the newly created local account and attempt a copy-paste operation. If it functions correctly, you might need to repair your previous user account or consider using the new account as your primary profile.

Advanced System Repair (Last Resort):

If none of the aforementioned solutions resolve the issue, consult a qualified IT professional for further assistance. As a last resort, consider performing a repair or reinstall of Windows 11. This involves an in-place upgrade process that reinstalls the operating system without affecting your personal data or installed applications. However, proceed with caution and ensure you have a recent backup of your important files before initiating this process.

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With these steps you will be able to identify the cause of the copy and paste malfunction in Windows 11. Always remember to restart the computer after making important changes to allow the modifications to take better effect.