Fix Windows Sandbox Copy Paste Not Working & Boost Productivity

Numerous readers complained that they could not copy and paste files in Windows Sandbox. When they use Ctrl + V in the sandbox to copy a file from the host, nothing happens. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you need to move files between the host and the sandbox frequently. If that doesn’t work, continue reading to find out how to resolve the copy/paste problem in Windows Sandbox.

Also Read: How To Run Untrusted Software Using Windows 10 Sandbox

Why Does This “Windows Sandbox Copy Paste Not Working” Problem Occur?

The annoying error can occur due to several reasons:

1. Clipboard sharing with Windows Sandbox is blocked by a Group Policy rule.
2. The Clipboard redirection is disabled in the Registry Editor.
3. The problem may appear due to outdated device drivers or corrupted system file.
4. The issue could be caused by a temporary glitch or software interference.

Whatever be the reason, there are few fixes that you can try to fix the problem. By resolving the “Windows Sandbox Copy Paste Not Working” problem, you can enjoy improved productivity, better user experience and reduced eye strain.

How To Fix Windows Sandbox Copy Paste Not Working?

Some of the quickest and easiest ways to fix the issue are listed below:

Method 1. Use Gpedit To Enable Clipboard Sharing With Windows Sandbox

By enabling the Clipboard sharing with Windows Sandbox, you can copy and paste between the host and Windows Sandbox with ease.

Step 1: To open the Run Box, press the Windows + R shortcut.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 3: Navigate to the address shown below:

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Sandbox

Step 4: Locate Allow clipboard sharing with Windows Sandbox entry and double-click on it.

Step 5: A new box will appear where you have to click on the checkbox next to Enabled.

Step 6: Click on Apply and then click on OK.

Step 7: Reboot your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If the Allow clipboard sharing with Windows Sandbox is left unconfigured, there shouldn’t be any problems. Nevertheless, the primary reason why Ctrl + V doesn’t function in Windows Sandbox is if it’s disabled.

Also Read: Best Sandboxing Software For Windows PC

Method 2: Use Registry Editor To Enable Clipboard Sharing With Windows Sandbox

By default, clipboard sharing between the host and the sandbox is disabled for security reasons. You can use the Registry Editor to enable it to enjoy seamless copy-paste operations, efficient data transfer, and more.

Step 1: To launch the Registry Editor, press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run terminal.

Step 2: Type regedit and hit Enter.

Step 3: Proceed to the subsequent key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Sandbox

Step 4: To enable AllowClipboardRedirection, double-click on the DWORD and adjust the value to 1. For the same result, you can alternatively remove it completely.

Bonus: Use Advanced System Optimizer To Optimize Registry Editor

The Registry Cleaner software, Advanced System Optimizer is easy to use and has an intuitive UI that doesn’t require any training. All of the functions and options are displayed on the left side of the application window. To use ASO to clean and optimize your registry, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install Advanced System Optimizer on your PC.

Step 2: From the options on the left, choose Registry Optimizers.

Step 3: The application window panel’s right side will provide two new options: Registry Cleaner and Registry Optimizer.

Step 4: Select Registry Cleaner from the menu. A new application window will appear on your computer’s screen. Select the option to “Start Scan Now.”

Step 5: At this point, the Windows Registry abnormalities will be found by the scan. To stop the application from scanning your Windows Registry, click the Stop button in the lower right corner.

Step 6: A list of the faults and their information will show up on your screen after the scan is finished. To resolve these difficulties, click the Fix All difficulties button located in the bottom right corner.

Step 7: A restore point will be created once you click the button to cure every problem.

Step 8: Click the Finish button to close the Registry Cleaner Module after the problems have been resolved.

Step 9: Go back to the Advanced System Optimizer home screen and select the Registry Optimizer module, which is the second one.

Step 10: An application window is about to open. Select the “Start Scan” option.

Step 11: Hold off until the scan starts and finishes.

Step 12: This will show the scan result. In the lower right corner, click the Optimize Now button.

Step 13: A message prompt box will appear informing you that Registry Optimization will start with the subsequent restart.

Step 14: You can save all of your work, shut down any open programs and folders, and restart your computer if you don’t have any urgent tasks to complete.

Step 15: Observe that the restart procedure proceeds unhindered. The Registry Optimizer module will be launched and the Advanced System Optimizer will take over the computer automatically.

Step 16: Your computer will boot up to your desktop or login screen after the registry optimization is finished.

Step 17: The Registry optimization procedure’s summary will be shown. To close the application, click the Finish button.

Advanced System Optimizer is one of the best Registry Cleaners available for Windows 10/11 and other popular versions. Additionally, it is the only Windows Registry Cleaner Software that optimizes the system as a whole and is a comprehensive all-in-one solution.

Also Read: Why Your PC Needs Advanced System Optimizer

Method 3: Re-enable Windows Sandbox

By re-enabling Windows Sandbox, you essentially perform a reset of its settings and components. This can often address issues related to copy-paste not working as expected. After following the steps shared below, you can test the copy-paste functionality within Windows Sandbox to see if the issue persists.

Step 1: Select the Taskbar’s Search tab, search “Turn Windows features on and off,” and then select the desired software from the list of results.

Step 2: Now, locate Windows Sandbox by scrolling down, uncheck the box next to it, accept the modification, and restart your computer when requested.

Step 3: Restart Windows, then choose Windows Features and turn on Windows Sandbox once more.

Step 4: Check to see if copy and paste in Windows Sandbox function after restarting the machine.

If copy and paste are not functioning on Windows 11, the above remedies should resolve the issue with Windows Sandbox. Also, note the fixes are also applicable to Windows 10.

Also Read: Windows Sandbox: A Simple Solution to Run .exe Files on Windows 10

Get Your Windows Sandbox Copy Paste Working Again With These Simple Solutions

By following the specific troubleshooting steps outlined to address the Windows Sandbox copy-paste issue, users can restore seamless copy-paste functionality within the Sandbox environment. These solutions aim to rectify the problem, allowing for efficient and uninterrupted copy-paste operations, and enhancing the overall usability of the Windows Sandbox feature.

If you know any other workaround that can help in fixing this issue, then feel free to share them with us in the comments section below! You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.