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Windows Remote Desktop File Transfer: Detailed How-to guide

Author: Helga York
Helga York Article author

Remote desktop file transfer refers to the process of moving files between a local computer and a remote machine using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or third-party software. This functionality is crucial for accessing, sharing, or managing files stored on a remote computer.

Remote file transfer simplifies collaboration, streamlines workflows, and ensures secure data sharing. It is vital for IT support, remote work environments, and individuals needing to manage files across different systems without physical access.

So, if you are asking “Can I transfer files through Remote Desktop?”- Absolutely! This article explains various methods for transferring files through Remote Desktop. It highlights compatibility, step-by-step guides, best use cases, and advantages/disadvantages of each method. Additionally, it introduces HelpWire software for seamless remote desktop file transfers and addresses common FAQs.

Useful tip:  Consider opting for a third-party solution like HelpWire to simplify the file transfer process. This entirely free remote desktop service enables direct file transfers to a client’s remote desktop. With HelpWire, you can conveniently send files by just dropping them into a remote session window, eliminating the need for intermediate storage or the use of file hosting services.

Built-in Features of Windows OS for Remote Desktop File Transfer

Before diving into file transfer methods, ensure you have a smooth Remote Desktop setup with these key preparations for accessing files on a Remote Desktop.

To efficiently manage files between local and remote systems, establish a stable connection and configure file access settings:

Accessing Files on the Remote Computer

  1. Launch Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) on your local PC.
  2. Enter the IP address or hostname and connect.
  3. Navigate to File Explorer on the remote desktop to open and manage files as needed.

Enabling Local File Access from a Remote Desktop

  1. Open RDC > Show Options > Local Resources > More before connecting.
  2. Under Drives, select the local drives you want to share.
  3. Once connected, open File Explorer on the remote desktop, where the local drives will appear under This PC.

1. Copy-Paste Method

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server (various versions)

Best Use Case: Transferring small files quickly without additional configuration.

This method allows users to copy files from one machine and paste them into another over an active Remote Desktop (RDP) session.

Advantages:

  • Simple and quick to use
  • No additional setup required
  • Works with basic file types like text, images, and small files

Limitations:

  • May not support large file transfers
  • Can fail due to clipboard restrictions
  • Requires clipboard sharing to be enabled in the Remote Desktop settings

Steps:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) on your local machine.

  2. Before connecting, go to Show Options > Local Resources > Clipboard and ensure clipboard sharing is enabled.

  3. Connect to the remote system.

  4. Select the file(s) you want to transfer, then Copy (Ctrl + C) on the remote system.

  5. On the local machine, Paste (Ctrl + V) the file.

2. Drag and Drop

Compatibility: Windows 10/11

Best Use Case: For quick transfers of small files between the remote and local machines.

A more visual method where users can drag files from the remote desktop and drop them onto their local machine (and vice versa). 

Advantages:

  • Intuitive and easy for users
  • Works for various file types

Limitations:

  • May not be available in all RDP clients
  • Some files might not transfer due to permissions

Steps:

  1. Enable clipboard and drive sharing in the RDC settings before connecting.

  2. Open a Remote Desktop session.

  3. Select a file from the remote or local system.

  4. Drag it to the opposite machine.

3. Enabling Drive Sharing in Remote Desktop

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server

Best Use Case: Transferring large files or bulk data securely.

Allows users to share entire drives between local and remote computers for seamless file transfers.

Advantages:

  • Supports large file transfers
  • Provides access to multiple files and folders

Limitations:

  • Requires manual setup before connecting
  • Can expose sensitive data if not secured properly

Steps:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your local machine.

  2. Click Show Options > Local Resources > More.

  3. Under Drives, select the drive(s) you want to share.

  4. Connect to the remote system.

  5. Open File Explorer on the remote system, where shared drives will appear.

  6. Copy and paste files between the shared drive and remote/local storage.

Watch the detailed video guide:

4. File Transfer via FTP, SFTP, or SMB

Compatibility: All Windows versions with FTP/SFTP client support.

Best Use Case: Secure file transfers over networks.

These network-based file transfer methods allow for structured file sharing using File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), or Server Message Block (SMB).

Advantages

  • Supports large file transfers
  • More secure than basic RDP transfer methods

Limitations

  • Requires additional configuration
  • Needs an FTP or SMB server setup

Steps (Example: SFTP)

  1. Install an SFTP server (e.g., OpenSSH) on the remote system.

  2. Use an SFTP client (e.g., CloudMounter, WinSCP, FileZilla) on the local machine.

  3. Establish a connection using the IP address, username, and password.

  4. Drag and drop files between the two systems.

Troubleshooting Issues

Slow File Transfer Speeds

When file transfers over Remote Desktop are slow, common causes include network issues, high system resource usage, or incorrect RDP settings.

Solutions:

  • • Ensure a stable network connection (prefer wired over Wi-Fi).
  • • Adjust Remote Desktop settings to optimize bandwidth:

Disable unnecessary visual effects: RDC > Show Options > Experience > Set to Low-Speed Broadband.

Enable compression in Group Policy settings.

  • • Use SFTP or FTP if file transfer speeds remain slow. 

Remote Drives Not Showing

Sometimes, even after enabling drive sharing, the local drives may not appear in the File Explorer of the remote desktop. Fixes:
  • • Check if drive sharing is enabled in RDC > Local Resources > More > Drives.
  • • Verify that the RDP session policy allows drive redirection:
  • • Open gpedit.msc → Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
Ensure Do not allow drive redirection is set to Disabled.
  • • Restart the RDP session after making changes.

Clipboard Issues

Users often encounter copy-paste failures when trying to transfer text or files via clipboard redirection.

Fixes:

  • • Ensure Clipboard is enabled in RDC > Local Resources > Clipboard.
  • • Restart the Remote Desktop Clipboard process:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

Find rdpclip.exe, end the process, and restart it via Run > rdpclip.

  • • Check if a group policy restriction is preventing clipboard access.

Connection and Network Issues

RDP file transfers may fail due to firewall settings, latency, or VPN restrictions.

Fixes:

  • • Disable third-party firewall software temporarily and test.
  • • Adjust RDP timeout settings via Local Group Policy.
  • • Use an alternative method like SFTP if network issues persist.

How to Transfer Files Using HelpWire Remote Desktop Software

HelpWire is a remote desktop and file-sharing solution designed for IT support professionals. It offers intuitive drag-and-drop and clipboard-based file transfers during remote sessions.

Steps to Transfer Files Using HelpWire:

Right-Click Transfer:

  1. Right-click the file you wish to transfer and select “Copy.”
  2. Right-click on the desired location on the client’s computer and select “Paste.”
  3. Monitor transfer progress on the client’s computer.

Drag-and-Drop:

  1. Select one or multiple files on your computer.
  2. Drag the items into the open HelpWire app window.
  3. Drop the files to transfer them to the client’s machine.
  4. Right-click in the destination folder and choose “Paste” to complete the process.

Key Combinations:

Use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+C and Cmd+V (macOS) to copy and paste files.

Note: 
• Remote connection must be active for file transfers.
• Drag-and-drop works only from a local PC to the client’s computer.

FAQ

No. While RDP is primarily designed for Windows-to-Windows transfers, third-party tools like TeamViewer and AnyDesk support cross-platform file sharing.

Built-in RDP drive redirection

FTP/SFTP for secure transfers

SMB file sharing

The file size limit depends on the method:

Copy-paste: ~500 MB.

Shared folders: Virtually unlimited.

Third-party tools: Depends on the software’s specifications.

Optimize RDP settings (disable visual effects).

Use compression before transferring.

Use alternative protocols like SFTP/FTP.

Tags:
RDP, Tips & Tricks, Windows