2025 Update | How to Transfer Files Between Remote Desktop and Local PC

Windows Remote Desktop Connection provides the easiest way to control remote PCs. However, we also sometimes want to transfer files alongside remote control. For example, you may have an important work file in your home computer that you want to transfer to your work computer.

There are multiple ways for remote desktop file transfer. In this guide, we will teach the four best ways to effortlessly perform RDP file transfer.

Method 1. Transfer Files from Remote Desktop via Copy/Paste

The easiest of all ways is the simple copy/paste approach. You can directly open the local folder in the remote desktop window, select the file or folder you want to transfer, and copy and paste it into the folder on the local desktop.

Follow the below simple steps to perform Remote Desktop file transfer via copy/paste approach:

This way, you can effortlessly transfer files from a remote desktop.

Troubleshooting Copy/Paste Issues

Some users have reported the "No, clipboard only works for text" issue. This issue causes them to only copy text, not files. To resolve this issue:

In addition, remember not to copy any other file when the current file is being transferred. Otherwise, you will interrupt the file transfer, and an error will pop up.

Method 2. Using the File Transfer Function of Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop has a dedicated File Transfer function. Through this function, you can access all the remote computer's drives from the "This PC" section on your local computer. This enables smooth file transfers, similar to those between local folders.

Here's how to perform remote desktop file transfer using the RDP file transfer function:

That's how you can easily leverage the file transfer function of Remote Desktop to transfer files securely.

Method 3. Transfer Files from Remote Desktop via FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a widely used way to send a high volume of files between local and remote computers over the network. It follows a client-server model, where you must set up an FTP server on the remote computer and an FTP client on the local computer. Afterward, you can transfer files between local and remote computers with a simple drag-and-drop approach.

Follow the steps to perform RDP file transfer via FTP:

Step 1. Create an FTP Account

You have to create an FTP account. To do so, go to your cPanel account through https://yourdomain.com/cpanel. Here, replace "yourdomain.com" with the actual domain or the provided URL.

From the cPanel dashboard, click FTP Accounts.

Enter the required details, including:

Fill in the other details asked and click Create FTP Account.

Once the FTP account is created, you will be able to see its account details in the cPanel dashboard, such as username, server, and port.

Step 2. Install the FTP Client

Next, you have to install the FTP client on your local desktop. You can choose any FTP client, such as WinSCP, FileZilla, etc. Let's pick WinSCP.

Go to the WinSCP website and download and install the tool.

Step 3. Configure WinSCP Client and Make the Connection

Launch WinSCP. On the login page, enter the required details, including:

After entering all the details, click Save. Afterward, click the Login button to make the connection.

Step 4. Transfer Files

Now, you are all set to transfer files. You will have two panels, where the left panel presents a local desktop and the right panel presents a remote desktop. You can drag and drop files between them easily using the panel.

This way, you can use FTP to perform remote desktop file transfer. It does require a few additional steps but can facilitate secure data transfer.

Method 4. Transfer Large Files to Remote Desktop via AirDroid Remote Support

If you want to transfer many files or large files, AirDroid Remote Support is the perfect tool for it.

AirDroid Remote Support is a feature-packed remote access and control software. It incorporates a powerful "File Transfer" feature for smooth and secure transfer of many or large files.

Basically, AirDroid Remote Support allows you to link local and remote devices first and then use the File Transfer feature to copy-paste files from local to remote PC or remote to local PC. The entire process is click-based with no complex configurations.

Besides that, AirDroid Remote Support also allows you to share files during the remote control session using the chat section. Here are the simple steps to perform remote desktop file transfer with AirDroid Remote Support:

Other than file transfer, AirDroid Remote Support is your full-fledged remote access tool. So, some of the other features you can get with AirDroid Remote Support include:

Overall, AirDroid Remote Support is your one-stop tool to remote control devices and share large files without any technicalities.