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.

If copy-paste works successfully elsewhere, the problem is app-specific. In that case, check the permission settings in the application, its shortcut settings, and any other preferences you feel could contribute to the problem. It is also possible that the app doesn’t support copy-pasting. It isn’t common, but it is a possibility.

In contrast, if copy-paste fails to work throughout your operating system, the problem is more widespread and requires further investigation. In that case, begin applying the remaining fixes.

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.

In case you are unable to copy-paste text through the context menu, or the menu is not opening at all, you can use the keyboard shortcuts. If you can copy and paste using keyboard shortcuts, make sure the mouse keys haven’t been mistakenly swapped, and see if there are any issues with mouse clicks, your touchpad, or the mouse itself.

If you are unable to copy-paste using keyboard shortcuts, there could be a problem with your keyboard or its settings. So, use the context menu to copy-paste text. If copy-pasting works with this alternative method, follow the instructions in the next heading to troubleshoot keyboard problems.

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. To check that, go to the Keyboard Tester website and press the Ctrl, C, and V keys individually. If any of these keys don’t work, try cleaning your keyboard, or get it inspected by a professional.

If these keys work during the test, ensure the problem isn’t with the keyboard shortcuts. To check this, press any other shortcut key combination, such as Ctrl+Shift+Esc. This shortcut should open the Task Manager window if shortcuts are working fine.

If other shortcuts are also not working, turn off Sticky keys, uninstall the keyboard manager apps, and try other troubleshooting steps to resolve the main problem.

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.

To do this, right-click the Windows Start button and select “Task Manager.” Locate the “Windows Explorer” process, right-click it, and click “Restart.” Your device may take a few seconds to restart File Explorer, and then you can try copy-pasting using the context menu again. However, if you fail to copy-paste text using both shortcuts and the context menu, keep applying the remaining fixes.