Copy-and-paste operations don't work when you connect to a Hyper-V virtual machine by using VMConnect Enhanced Session Mode

This article provides a solution to an issue where copy-and-paste operations may not work as expected when you connect to a Hyper-V virtual machine by using VMConnect Enhanced Session Mode.

Applies to:   Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10 - all editions
Original KB number:   4090037

Symptoms

You can't copy and paste files between a system that is running Virtual Machine Connection (VMConnect.exe) and a Hyper-V guest virtual machine when you use Enhanced Session Mode through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Cause

Enhanced Session Mode enables the transfer of files to and from virtual machines through the Clipboard copy-and-paste operations. However, copying and pasting files through the Clipboard is disabled if the Do not allow drive redirection policy option is enabled.

Resolution

To successfully copy files to and from Hyper-V virtual machines when you use VMConnect through Enhanced Session Mode, make sure that you don't enable the following policy:

  • Policy path: Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resource Redirection

    Note

    If you use the Local Group Policy Editor, the Policies folder isn't part of the node path.

  • Policy setting: Do not allow Clipboard redirection

    Set this policy to Disabled or Not configured to allow file copy redirection in Remote Desktop Services and Hyper-V Enhanced Session Mode sessions.

References