How to Transfer Files to and from Remote Desktop

Want to transfer files to and from a remote desktop session? It is pretty easy to do. Here are the exact steps on how to do it.

The remote desktop feature in Windows makes it really easy to manage remote computers without being physically present near the machines. Add to that; the remote session is pretty powerful. i.e., you can do almost everything as if you are physically there. For example, you can install and use applications, change Windows applications, manage users and services, etc.

While using a computer via remote desktop, there will be times when you need to transfer files to and from a remote session. For example, recently, I needed to transfer a couple of photos from the local machine to the remote computer.

There are several ways to transfer files to and from a remote session. For instance, you can access local files in a remote session. The problem is that it requires setting up shared local resources and sharing an entire drive. If your need is temporary or you don’t want to share an entire drive, follow the steps below.

So, let me show you how to transfer files to and from a remote desktop session in Windows operating system.

• Transfer files to a remote desktop
• Transfer files from a remote desktop

Note: The below steps work in Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Transfer files to a remote desktop

You can transfer files from the local computer to a remote computer by copying and pasting. It is pretty simple to do. Here’s how.

1. Launch the remote session.
2. On the local machine, find the file you want to transfer.
3. Select the file and press “Ctrl + C.”
4. Go to the remote desktop session.
5. Press the “Ctrl + V” to paste the file.
6. The file will be transferred immediately.

First thing, open the remote session. To do that, launch the “Remote Desktop Connection” app, choose the remote computer from the dropdown menu and click the “Connect” button.

Find the file want to transfer from the local machine to the remote desktop. Next, select the file and press the “Ctrl + C” keyboard shortcut. This action will copy the file to the clipboard.

Now, go to the remote desktop session. Press the “Ctrl + V” shortcut to paste the file here. The file is transferred immediately as soon as you press the shortcut. Remember that the transfer time depends on network speed, stability, and file size.

You have successfully transferred files from the local computer to the remote computer.

Transfer files from a remote desktop

1. Launch the remote session.
2. Find the file you want to transfer on the remote computer.
3. Select the file and press “Ctrl + C.”
4. Go back to the local computer.
5. Press the “Ctrl + V” to paste the file.
6. The file will be transferred immediately.

First thing, open the remote session. To do that, launch the “Remote Desktop Connection” app, choose the remote computer from the dropdown menu and click the “Connect” button.

Find the file you want to transfer, select it, and press the “Ctrl + C” shortcut on the remote computer. This action will copy the file to the clipboard.

Next, go to the local computer and press the “Ctrl + V” shortcut. This action will transfer and paste the file immediately. Remember that the transfer time depends on network speed, stability, and file size.

You have successfully transferred files from the remote desktop to the local computer.

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That is all. It is simple to transfer files to and from a remote desktop session.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.