Copy-paste has long been an indispensable feature that allows you to seamlessly move text, files, or other data from one spot to another. Whether you are a novice or a pro who has to deal with demanding projects, it will always find a pretty sweet spot in your workflow. That’s the reason why life on a computer becomes rather painful when this handy feature starts malfunctioning or fails to work on the expected line.
Having endured its vexing tantrums on a few occasions, I can feel the frustration that you are going through. But guess what? This is a classic Windows 11 issue that has flourished for ages, so there is no need to fret over it. In this in-depth guide, I’m going to break down various effective ways to fix the copy paste not working on Windows 11 and bring it back on track. Read on…
Fix Copy-Paste Not Working on Windows 11: 16 Effective Solutions
So, what has broken the copy-paste feature on your Windows device? From the infected clipboard to the buggy Windows update to the third-party conflicts or the corrupted drivers, it tends to go awry due to several factors –
- Corrupted Clipboard
- Faulty Windows Update
- Third-Party Interference
- Outdated Drivers
- System File Corruption
- Background Apps Conflict
- Clipboard Service Error
- Hardware Acceleration Issues
- Low System Resources
- Malware or Virus Attack
Let’s look into all the possible culprits and either eliminate them or restrict them to the point where they will no longer hurt the copy-and-paste functionality on your PC.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
It’s worth pointing out right off the bat that restarting Windows Explorer not only refreshes the desktop but also resolves temporary glitches that might be affecting the clipboard. When the process is rebooted, all desktop elements and File Explorer components reload, potentially fixing copy-paste issues. That’s the reason why it’s highly effective for resolving sudden unresponsiveness.
- To get it done, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Now, locate Windows Explorer inside the Processes tab.
- Then, right-click it and choose Restart.
- Wait for your desktop to refresh, then test copy-paste functionality.
2. Clear the Clipboard Data
Note that the corrupted data in the clipboard is also equally responsible for blocking the path of copy-paste. Wiping out the entire clipboard history will let you get rid of any stored data and reset the clipboard, which may fix the issue.
- To do so, press Windows + V to open the clipboard history.
- After that, click Clear All to remove all saved clipboard content.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > System > Clipboard and clear the clipboard data from there.
- Next up, try to copy and paste again to find out if the issue is resolved.
3. Restart the PC
A simple PC restart is blessed with the amazing ability to fix many system-related glitches, including copy-paste not working. What makes it so effective is the ability to clean up the temporary cache files, stop background processes, and reset clipboard services, which can restore normal functionality.
- Before going ahead, do not forget to save all your work and close any running applications.
- After that, press Windows + X and choose Shut Down or Sign Out > Restart.
- Allow your PC to fully reboot.
- Once your PC has restarted, try using copy-paste to check if it’s fixed.
4. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
The keyboard troubleshooter is endowed with the ability to automatically detect and resolve any clipboard or input-related issues that are affecting copy-paste. To be more precise, this built-in tool scans your system for configuration problems and recommends reliable fixes.
- Open Settings and navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter.
- Find the Keyboard and click Run.
- Next up, run through the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
- After the scan, test the copy-paste feature to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Disable Third-Party Clipboard Managers
Third-party clipboard managers may cause conflicts with Windows’ native clipboard, leading to copy-paste problems. Disabling or uninstalling these apps can help resolve the interference and restore functionality. This solution works if you have installed any clipboard-enhancing tools. Follow these steps:
- To begin with, launch the Task Manager on your PC by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and locate any clipboard manager apps.
- Disable them by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
- Restart your computer and check if copy-paste works again.
6. Update Keyboard and Mouse Drivers
Outdated keyboard or mouse drivers can cause input-related problems, including copy-paste malfunctions. Updating these drivers ensures that your input devices work correctly and eliminates compatibility issues. This is especially useful after Windows updates. Follow these steps:
- To do so, press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices sections.
- Right-click on your keyboard and mouse > choose Update Driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your computer and try using copy-paste again.
7. Disable Night Light and HDR
Night Light and HDR settings can sometimes interfere with graphics-related clipboard functions, affecting certain visual copy-paste operations like image transfers. Disabling these settings may resolve such conflicts. This is useful for users experiencing clipboard issues when copying images. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings app on your PC > System > Display.
- Turn off Night Light and HDR if enabled.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
- Test copy-paste functionality to see if the issue is resolved.
8. Check for Windows Updates
Be wanted that the missing or pending Windows updates can sometimes cause system bugs, including clipboard and copy-paste issues. Installing the latest updates often includes patches that fix such glitches.
- Open Settings and go to Windows Update > Check for Updates and download any pending updates.
- Allow your PC to restart after installing the updates.
- Try copying and pasting again to see if the problem is fixed.
9. Disable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
Note that accessibility features like Sticky Keys and Filter Keys might also be conflicting with input and clipboard functions. Disabling these features may help restore normal copy-paste functionality, especially if keyboard shortcuts aren’t working. Follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 device > Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Turn off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys if enabled.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
- Check if copy-paste functionality is restored.
10. Run System File Checker (SFC)
The SFC tool scans and repairs corrupted system files that may be causing copy-paste issues. Running this tool can help fix deeper system problems. This method is effective if the clipboard service or system files are damaged. Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and repair any detected issues.
- Restart your computer and test copy-paste functionality.
11. Run DISM Command
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs Windows system images and fixes deeper corruption issues that may prevent copy-paste from working. It’s especially effective when SFC alone doesn’t resolve the issue. This method ensures that your system image is healthy.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After the process completes, restart your PC and check if copy-paste works.
12. Restart Clipboard Service
Do you know that the clipboard service is responsible for managing all copy-paste operations on Windows? If this service is derailed, it can cause unexpected issues.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Scroll down and find Clipboard User Service.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Test copy-paste to ensure the issue is resolved.
13. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Apps
Keep an eye on the hardware acceleration as it can cause clipboard issues in certain apps like browsers. Disabling it can prevent conflicts with the system’s graphics and input services, restoring copy-paste functionality.
- Launch the affected app (e.g., Chrome, Edge) > navigate to Settings > System, and turn off Hardware Acceleration.
- Restart the app to apply the changes and then try copying and pasting again.
14. Check for Background App Interference
Ensure that the background apps are not interfering with clipboard functions by overriding or blocking copy-paste operations. Disabling all the useless background apps can help you fix the issue.
- To get going, fire up the Settings app on your PC > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Identify any clipboard-related or third-party apps.
- Click on the triple-dot icon next to a specific app and then disable the background activity (via the Advanced section) or uninstall apps that might be interfering.
- Restart your PC and check if copy-paste works.
15. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode offers a neat way to get rid of all the unnecessary drivers and third-party apps, which can help you identify whether the issue is caused by software interference. If copy-paste starts working in Safe Mode, it indicates a third-party conflict.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog > type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to the Boot tab, check Safe Boot, and select Minimal.
- Restart your PC in Safe Mode and test copy-paste.
- Exit Safe Mode by unchecking the Safe Boot option and rebooting normally.
16. Perform a System Restore (Last Resort)
If nothing has rescued the copy-paste feature on your PC, perform a system restore. System restore will let you revert your PC to a previous state when copy-paste was functioning correctly.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device and go to System > Recovery.
- Click Open System Restore and follow the prompts.
- Select a restore point created before the copy-paste issue began.
- Let the restore process finish and check if the issue is resolved.
Signing off…
There you have it! I hope these tips have succeeded in restoring life to the copy-paste feature on your PC. Since this is a classic issue, make sure to keep the above tips at your beck and call so that it will no longer cause headaches in the future. Has this guide missed out on any important tips? It would be great to know them via the comments section below.
