Is it possible to copy files to remote desktop only on Windows?
RDC utilizes Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol to share files to remote desktop sessions. This functionality comes standard in every edition of Windows 10 and Windows Server.
There are RDP-compatible software tools by Microsoft that also provide Mac users with the ability to connect to Windows PCs and access mobile platforms like iOS and Android.
If you’re on a Mac computer, you can transfer files to Windows remote desktops by using the Redirection tab [located in the Remote Desktop app].
Windows users have the Remote Desktop Connection tool already built-in, which makes configuring file-sharing settings [before connecting], simple and fast.
How to copy files with Remote Desktop Connection
Step 1: Run Remote Desktop Connection. Users can find RDC from the Start menu, or by searching for the following: “mstsc” / “remote desktop” / “RDC”.
RDC is fairly straightforward upon the first launch. Usually, it’s necessary to enter an IP address for the desired remote PC, then hit “Connect”. However, if the user wants to let their remote desktop copy files, there are some additional steps required.
Step 2: Click “Show Options” within the RDC window [this displays the RDC configuration options].
Step 3: Go to the “Local Resources” tab [this will take you to the sharing settings for the remote session]. In the “Local devices and resources” tab, click “More” [see below].
Step 4: Click the “+” arrow beside “Drives” to show more options. Users can share available Windows drives, portable storage drives [like flash drives], and optical drives [CDs, DVDs, DVD drives, etc] that they may want to utilize down in the future. Check any desired boxes to share storage with the remote computer and hit “Ok”.
Step 5: Return to the “General” tab once satisfied with the drive sharing settings.
Step 6: Enter the IP address of the remote computer into the “Computer” box [located under the section “Logon settings” [see below].
Step 7: Hit “Connect” to establish the connection.
Step 8: Open the “Windows File Explorer” after connecting to the remote device [do this by right-clicking the Start menu > File Explorer]. Users should see all shared devices in the “Redirected drives and folders” section.
Step 9: Drag files between folders and drives as desired.
Please Note: If users receive a message reading: “Destination Folder Access Denied” when attempting to transfer files, it may be necessary to restart the RDP session. Users should then run the Remote Desktop Connection application as an administrator.
Remote File Transfer During Windows RDP Sessions
[Feature available in the Enterprise Edition only]
Stepwise Guide on How to Transfer Files to Local PC using Remote Desktop
This is about detailed steps on how to transfer files from remote computer to local PC over Windows Remote Desktop and offers quick solutions for file transfer failure.
By @Annie Last Updated December 8, 2021