Cannot paste pictures in any folder

Question

Cannot paste pictures in any folder

Stam 0

The images definitely copy, because I can paste them into paint or any messenger, but I can't paste them into a folder or desktop by clicking "Paste" like I used to. This feature just stopped working one day and I can't get it back. I DO NOT WANT any workarounds like "Save As" - I need a real solution to bring back the ability to paste images like I was able to do previously. I know about File explorer not copying images and yata yata, but it WORKED before so that's why I know it can be fixed.
The problem appeared after I scanned my whole pc with kaspersky antivirus. It said there was no viruses and I did /sfc scannow after and all was good. I simply scanned my whole PC and this function broke after, whitch makes no sence but here we are

0 comments

1 answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Emma1-N 11,195 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome Stam,

I understand how frustrating this is, especially since the feature was working before and stopped unexpectedly.

Since the problem started after a Kaspersky scan, I'd like to gather a little more information while also suggesting a few quick checks:

What is the source of the image you're copying? A web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)? Another application? A local image file?

Try the troubleshooting steps below to help resolve the issue:

Option 1: Test Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer
Right-click it and select Restart
Try copying and pasting an image to the Desktop again.

Option 2: Check Clipboard History

Press Windows + V
If prompted, enable Clipboard History
Copy an image and see whether it appears there

Option 3: Test in Safe Mode

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter
Open the Boot tab
Check Safe boot and select Network
Click Apply > OK, then restart

If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Emma1-N 11,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-26T03:17:47.0933333+00:00

Hello Stam,

I just wanted to check if my previous response addressed your question correctly. If there is anything I may have misunderstood, I would truly appreciate it if you could provide a bit more detail to help me better understand your needs.
Stam 0 Reputation points

2026-08-26T09:53:24.14+00:00

I'm copying an image from a web browser (Firefox). I also tried Chrome, Edge, and Explorer - same result. The image can be pasted when I copy it from my PC, but again, I want to be able to copy it from the internet like I used to. I tested Explorer restart, cleaning the clipboard (with history being on and off), and I tested it in safe mode with internet - nothing is making it work again. And yes, it is appearing in clipboard history when I copy it
Emma1-N 11,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-27T04:38:06.9666667+00:00
Hello Stam,

You please try this quick test:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run the following command: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Wait for it to complete, then restart the PC.

Test copying an image from a website and pasting it into a folder again.
Stam 0 Reputation points

2026-08-27T09:16:45.28+00:00

I already did it, but ok, I did it again and did sfc /scannow after. No problems were found and still no result
Emma1-N 11,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-28T04:04:38.2066667+00:00
Hello Stam,

Please test with a different Windows user account:

Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users

Select Add someone else to this PC

Create a temporary local account.

Sign into that account and test copying an image from a browser into a folder.
Emma1-N 11,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-29T06:43:23.79+00:00

Hello Stam,

Is there any update from you? Please let me know, I will be here to assist you.
Stam 0 Reputation points

2026-08-29T14:08:56.4166667+00:00

I did that. Nothing changed, still not working
Emma1-N 11,195 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-01T06:58:35.7+00:00

Hello Stam,

You can restart Windows Explorer by running the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

start explorer.exe