Quick Comparison
Pick the right method for your file
Clipboard sharing
Best for small files, text, screenshots
Copy on your local PC, paste inside RDP. Works for text, images, and most small files.
Drive redirection
Best for large files & folders
Mount your local drives inside the RDP session. Drag and drop entire folders directly.
Cloud drives
Best for syncing across devices
Use Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox installed on both ends — slow networks, no problem.
Method
Method 1 — Clipboard sharing
Fastest path for text, screenshots, and small files. Built into every RDP client.
- 1
Open Show Options in your RDP client
On Windows, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc), enter the IP, and click 'Show Options' before connecting.
- 2
Go to the Local Resources tab
Click the 'Local Resources' tab. Tick the 'Clipboard' checkbox so copy-paste works between both sides.
- 3
Connect and test
Sign in. Copy a piece of text or an image on your local PC, then press Ctrl + V inside the RDP. It should paste instantly.
Mac users: enable clipboard in 'Edit PC' → 'Devices & audio' inside the Windows App / Microsoft Remote Desktop.
Method
Method 2 — Drive redirection
Mount your local drives inside RDP and treat them like USB drives. Best for big folders.
- 1
Open Show Options → Local Resources
In Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc), expand options and switch to the 'Local Resources' tab.
- 2
Click 'More...' under Local devices and resources
A small dialog opens showing drives, smart cards, ports, and other devices.
- 3
Tick the drives you want to share
Select your C: drive (or only a specific folder) so it appears inside the RDP session as a network drive.
For privacy, share only the drive or folder you actually need — not your entire local PC.
- 4
Connect and open File Explorer
Inside RDP, open File Explorer → 'This PC'. You'll see your local drive listed under 'Redirected drives and folders'.
- 5
Drag, drop, copy, paste
Treat it like a USB drive — copy files in either direction. Transfer speed depends on your internet upload/download.
Method
Method 3 — Cloud drives
Use Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox on both sides. Most resilient on shaky networks.
- 1
Pick one cloud drive
Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox all work the same way. Pick whichever you already use.
- 2
Install the app on your local PC
If you haven't already, install the desktop client on your local computer and sign in.
- 3
Install the same app inside the RDP
Open Edge or Chrome inside the RDP, download the cloud app installer, and sign in with the same account.
- 4
Drop files into the synced folder
Anything you save into the cloud folder on one side appears on the other a few seconds later. No drag-drop, no setup — just save and forget.
Safety