rdpclip.exe

Remote Desktop Clipboard Helper

System ProcessSafeClipboard Service

CPU Usage

0-3%

Memory

5-20 MB

Location

C:\Windows\System32

Publisher

Microsoft Corporation

Quick Answer

rdpclip.exe is safe. It is the Windows Remote Desktop Clipboard helper that enables copy-paste between your local computer and a Remote Desktop session.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Located in C:\Windows\System32\rdpclip.exe

Warning

Typically normal

A separate rdpclip.exe may run per active RDP session; multiple instances can appear during concurrent sessions

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Disabling clipboard redirection will prevent copy-paste between local and remote desktops; use RDP client settings to disable clipboard during sessions

What is rdpclip.exe?

rdpclip.exe is the Remote Desktop Clipboard service that enables copy-and-paste between your local computer and a Windows Remote Desktop session. When you connect to a remote desktop, rdpclip runs inside the session to transfer clipboard data (text, images) securely. It typically starts with every session and ends when the session closes.

rdpclip.exe coordinates clipboard redirection for Remote Desktop. It communicates with the RDP client inside the session to exchange clipboard data using standard formats and secure channels, ensuring clipboard content moves between local and remote desktops without exposing the host.

Quick Fact: rdpclip.exe is started per Remote Desktop session and is essential for clipboard transfer across the local and remote environments.

Types of RDP Clipboard Processes

Session Clipboard Host: rdpclip.exe instance running inside a Remote Desktop session to handle clipboard redirection
Clipboard Bridge: Coordinates data transfer between local and remote clipboards using standard formats
Lifecycle Manager: Starts with session login and terminates on session logout

Is rdpclip.exe Safe?

Yes, rdpclip.exe is safe when it resides in the legitimate Windows system folder (C:\Windows\System32) and is part of the official Remote Desktop feature.

Is rdpclip.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real rdpclip.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify location and signature to be sure.

How to Tell if rdpclip.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\rdpclip.exe (or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\rdpclip.exe on 32-bit contexts). Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click rdpclip.exe in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer such as "Microsoft Corporation" or "Microsoft Windows".
Resource Usage: Typical usage is minimal. Prolonged high CPU/memory when idle is suspicious and warrants scan.
Behavior: Should only run when an RDP session is active. Persistent background activity without a remote session is unusual.

Red Flags: If rdpclip.exe is found outside C:\Windows\System32\ or C:\Windows\SysWOW64, runs without an active RDP session, lacks a valid digital signature, or shows unusual resource patterns, scan with antivirus and verify system integrity.

Why Is rdpclip.exe Running on My PC?

rdpclip.exe runs as part of Remote Desktop sessions to enable clipboard integration. It may start when you connect via Remote Desktop, or run per session while a remote environment is active.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Desktop Session: You are connected to a remote computer; rdpclip.exe handles clipboard redirection for that session.
Clipboard Redirection Enabled: Clipboard sharing between local and remote environments is enabled in the RDP session setup.
Background Clipboard Sync: Clipboard data may be transferred in the background while you copy/paste between endpoints.
Multiple Sessions: Each active Remote Desktop session may spawn its own rdpclip.exe instance to manage per-session clipboard data.
Session Reconnection: Reconnecting to a dropped session can momentarily restart rdpclip.exe as part of session reinitialization.

Can I Disable or Remove rdpclip.exe?

Yes, you can disable clipboard redirection, but not the core file itself. Disabling will stop clipboard transfer in Remote Desktop sessions; you cannot truly uninstall rdpclip.exe as it is part of Windows.

How to Stop rdpclip.exe

End Remote Desktop Session: Close the active RDP session to terminate rdpclip.exe for that session.
Disable Clipboard Redirection in RDP Client: Open your RDP client, go to Local Resources, uncheck Clipboard, then reconnect.
Group Policy Do Not Allow Clipboard Redirection: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Device and Resources Redirection -> Do not allow clipboard redirection (Enable).
Restart the RDP Client: Close and reopen the RDP client to ensure settings apply.
Consider Network Security Alternatives: If clipboard is not needed, use alternative secure transfer methods for data between hosts.

How to Remove or Disable rdpclip.exe (Windows)

✔ You cannot uninstall rdpclip.exe as it is a built-in Windows component used for Remote Desktop clipboard redirection.
✔ To disable, apply Group Policy: Do not allow clipboard redirection, or disable clipboard in the RDP client settings per session.
✔ Ensure you restart the RDP client and verify that clipboard sharing is blocked for new sessions.

Common Problems: Clipboard Not Working or rdpclip.exe Issues

If rdpclip.exe misbehaves or clipboard transfer fails during an RDP session, use these checks and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

Inactive or closed Remote Desktop session: Reconnect or start a new session; clipboard will reinitialize via rdpclip.exe
Clipboard redirect disabled in RDP client: Enable clipboard in the Local Resources tab and reconnect the session
Multiple stale rdpclip.exe processes: End all rdpclip.exe tasks in Task Manager and reattach to the session
Outdated Windows or RDP client: Update Windows and the Remote Desktop Client to the latest version
Corrupted clipboard data: Clear the clipboard on both local and remote sides and retry copy-paste
Malware masquerading as rdpclip.exe: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify the file path and signature

Quick Fixes:
1. Ensure an active Remote Desktop session is running and clipboard redirection is enabled
2. Restart the Remote Desktop client and reconnect to the session
3. End all rdpclip.exe tasks in Task Manager, then rejoin the session
4. Update Windows and the RDP client to the latest version
5. Run a malware scan if clipboard issues persist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rdpclip.exe safe?

Yes, the legitimate rdpclip.exe in C:\Windows\System32 is a core Windows component for clipboard redirection in Remote Desktop sessions. Verify path and signature to rule out spoofed files.

Why is rdpclip.exe running if I’m not using Remote Desktop?

Rdpclip.exe may run if a Remote Desktop session is active in the background or if clipboard redirection is configured to start with user logon. Check active sessions and disable if not needed.

Can I disable clipboard redirection permanently?

Yes, via the RDP client settings or Group Policy Do not allow clipboard redirection. This disables clipboard transfer during RDP sessions but does not remove rdpclip.exe.

Can I delete or uninstall rdpclip.exe?

No, rdpclip.exe is a Windows component. It cannot be uninstalled without impacting Remote Desktop functionality. You can disable clipboard redirection instead.

What should I do if clipboard copy-paste fails in RDP?

Check that clipboard redirection is enabled, restart the RDP session, ensure both ends are updated, and scan for malware if issues persist.

Why are there multiple rdpclip.exe processes?

Each active Remote Desktop session may spawn its own rdpclip.exe instance. It’s normal and typically resolves when sessions end.