How to Transfer Files Using Remote Desktop?

Transferring files between your computer and a Windows VPS is a common task when managing a remote server. Instead of using email or another file-sharing service, you can use Windows Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) to make selected drives from your local computer available on the remote system.

Once configured, you can access the shared drive through File Explorer on the VPS and copy files between the two computers. This guide explains how to configure Remote Desktop for file transfers and access your local files from a Windows VPS.

Why Use Remote Desktop for File Transfers?

Remote Desktop provides a convenient way to move files without installing additional software on the server. After enabling drive sharing, your selected local drives can be accessed during the remote session.

This can be useful when you need to:

• Upload files from your computer to a Windows VPS.
• Download files from the VPS to your local computer.
• Work with documents stored on your local drives.
• Transfer files without using external storage or file-sharing services.

For regular transfers, configuring drive sharing once can make future file management much easier.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A Windows computer with Remote Desktop Connection.
• Access to the Windows VPS you want to connect to.
• The VPS IP address or hostname.
• Valid login credentials for the remote Windows system.

How to Transfer Files Using Remote Desktop?

Follow these steps to share a local drive with your Windows VPS.

Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection

On your Windows computer, open the Start menu and search for Remote Desktop Connection. You can also type RDP in the Windows search bar.

Open the application to begin configuring your connection. You do not need to connect to the VPS immediately because the local drive-sharing settings must be configured first.

Step 2: Click Show Options

In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Show Options.

This expands the connection window and displays additional settings that let you configure how your local computer interacts with the remote system.

Step 3: Open the Local Resources Tab

Select the Local Resources tab.

This section contains settings for sharing local resources with the remote computer, including devices such as the clipboard, drives, and other supported resources.

Step 4: Select the Drives You Want to Share

Under Local devices and resources, click More.

Expand the Drives section and select the local drive or drives that you want to make available during the Remote Desktop session. Only select the drives you actually need to use on the VPS.

Click OK after making your selection.

Step 5: Connect to Your Windows VPS

Return to the General tab and enter the IP address or hostname of your Windows VPS in the Computer field.

Enter your login details if required and click Connect. Complete the authentication process to start the Remote Desktop session.

Step 6: Open File Explorer on the VPS

Once connected, open File Explorer on the Windows VPS.

The drives you shared from your local computer should be available under Redirected drives and folders. These drives allow the VPS to access the files stored on your local computer.

Step 7: Transfer Your Files

Open the redirected drive and locate the file or folder you want to transfer.

You can now copy files from your local drive to the VPS or move files in the opposite direction. You can use standard Windows Copy and paste commands or drag and drop files between the appropriate folders.

After transferring the files, check the destination folder to confirm that everything has been copied successfully.

What If You Cannot Transfer Files?

If Windows displays a Destination Folder Access Denied message when you try to transfer a file, the Remote Desktop session may need to be restarted.

Disconnect from the current RDP session and reconnect after checking your drive-sharing settings. If the problem continues, try opening Remote Desktop Connection as an administrator and establishing the connection again.

You should also make sure that your Windows account has permission to access the files and folders involved in the transfer.

Using Clipboard to Transfer Files

Depending on the Remote Desktop client and configuration, you may also be able to use the clipboard to copy and paste files between your local computer and the remote system.

For newer Remote Desktop applications, clipboard sharing can be enabled through the connection settings. After enabling it, you can use the standard Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V shortcuts to copy and paste supported content between systems.

If clipboard file transfer does not work as expected, drive redirection is a practical alternative.

How to Disconnect From Remote Desktop

When you finish transferring files, you can either disconnect temporarily or sign out of the remote Windows session.

To disconnect, simply close the Remote Desktop window. Your remote session remains active, allowing you to reconnect later.

If you want to completely end the session, open the Start menu on the remote computer, select your account, and choose Sign out.

Best Practices

When transferring files through Remote Desktop, keep these practices in mind:

• Share only the local drives you need.
• Avoid making sensitive or unnecessary files available to the remote system.
• Check that transferred files are available at the destination before deleting the original.
• Keep your Remote Desktop credentials secure.
• Disconnect or sign out when you have finished working on the VPS.

Remote Desktop makes transferring files between a local computer and a Windows VPS straightforward. By enabling drive sharing through Local Resources, you can access selected local drives directly from the VPS and move files without installing additional software.

For regular file transfers, configuring the required drives once can save time and simplify everyday VPS management. If you experience permission issues, restart the RDP session and verify that the required drive and account permissions are correctly configured.

Discover how to connect to a Windows server with RDP and simplify remote access while managing your server from anywhere.