Transferring Files from RDP to PC Fast: Basics, Methods, Best Practice and Fixes.

Introduction

If you frequently work remotely using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), moving files quickly from your remote session to your local PC can be critical, especially when dealing with large data sets or tight deadlines. In this guide, discover the fastest and most efficient and secure ways to transfer files from an RDP session to your PC. Whether you are a system admin, remote worker or IT consultant, this article provides a range of practical solutions, including native Windows tools and advanced options like TSplus Remote Access.

What Are Basics of File Transfers in RDP? Speed vs. Method

File transfer speed over Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) depends on more than just your internet connection. Several factors work together to affect how fast files move between the remote desktop and your local PC, amongst them:

• Network latency and bandwidth between the remote host and local PC
• File size and number of files being moved
• Transfer method or protocol used

Network Latency and Bandwidth

Network conditions like latency (delay) and available bandwidth play a big role. A slower connection or heavy network traffic can make even small moves take much longer than expected. Working over Wi-Fi, signal strength and interference from other devices will also affect speed.

File Size and Number of Files Being Moved

Both the size and number of files you transfer matter. Indeed, large files or folders with many items take longer to process, especially when using clipboard or drag-and-drop methods. These basic tools are often poorly designed to handle big data transfers efficiently.

Transfer Method or Protocol Used

Finally, the method you choose has a direct impact. Native tools like clipboard or mapped drives are easy to use but may lack speed and reliability. Advanced tools like TSplus or SFTP clients provide more consistent performance, especially for large or frequent exchanges.

Choosing the right method can significantly reduce file transfer time and frustration. The key is to match the tool to your needs by considering file size, security, ease of use, etc.

What Are Some of the Fastest Methods to Transfer Files from RDP to PC?

Now that we know what affects the speed of a file transfer, let us dive into how to move them rapidly:

1. Drag and Drop
2. Clipboard Copy-Paste
3. Shared Drives (Mapped Drives)
4. TSplus File Transfer Tool
5. Using SFTP with FileZilla or WinSCP
6. HTML5 File Transfer with TSplus Web Portal
7. Open Files Without Transferring

1. Drag and Drop (for Windows 10/11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you are using Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise edition and connecting via the built-in Remote Desktop app, you can drag and drop files directly between the remote desktop and your PC.

This method is fast and intuitive for single files or small folders. However, it might not work on older RDP clients or mobile RDP applications.

2. Clipboard Copy-Paste

A universally available method:

• Copy the file inside your RDP session (CTRL+C)
• Paste it to your local PC (CTRL+V)

This feature is simple and needs no configuration. Yet, it is limited to small files around 1 to 5 MB and is often disabled by admins.

Tip: In case of issues, check that "Clipboard Redirection" is enabled in both the RDP client settings and Group Policy. Group Policy enables configuration and settings management of user and computer settings on computers running Windows Server and Windows Client operating systems.

3. Shared Drives (Mapped Drives)

You can map your local drive to be accessible from the remote session:

• Open RDP settings → Local Resources → More... → check your local drives
• Then, in RDP, navigate to This PC → see your local drives listed

This feature is ideal for moving multiple or large files. Be aware it also requires proper permissions and local network configuration.

4 . Using SFTP with FileZilla or WinSCP

With SFTP configure, you could access the remote server, then:

• Open FileZilla or WinSCP
• Enter remote server IP, credentials and port
• Drag and drop files securely

This feature is both secure and fast for large files but requires server setup and firewall configuration.

5 . SFTP with TSplus File Transfer Tool - Fastest, Simplest Solution

Similarly, you can use TSplus Remote Access with SFTP, transferring files is seamless via its integrated File Transfer tool . To use this feature:

• Enable the tool in the TSplus Admin Tool under the Web Server or HTML5 settings, ensuring file transfer is activated.
• Initiate a session via the TSplus Web Portal or generated RDP client and activate the File Transfer interface.
• Select source and destination, navigating through the folder tree to choose remote or local files.
• Click "Transfer", using the Send to Client or Send to Server button.

This feature is very fast and secure and works on a Virtual Channel. It is ideal since it requires no drive mapping to use.

6. HTML5 File Transfer with TSplus Web Portal

When using TSplus Web Access via a browser (HTML5), you can move files directly via the TSplus web portal interface:

• Ensure HTML5 file transfer is enabled within the Web Portal Customization in TSplus Admin Tool.
• Open the Web Portal in your browser and log in using your TSplus credentials.
• Click "Upload–Download", then pick local files to upload or remote files to download, selecting your target folder.
• Initiate the transfer. Then the portal handles processing without needing extra tools.

This platform-independent feature will upload or download files directly in your browser, although it may not support drag-drop or outsize files.

7. Opening Files Without Transferring Using TSplus

TSplus also includes the feature “Open File on Client Side” , which allows you to open files remotely without actually transferring them. This is a great option to simply view or edit a file as it leaves local devices free of clutter and preserves the security of company data.

Open Files on Client Side

Allow specified file types (e.g., .docx, .xlsx) to open locally with the client’s installed app, even without it on the server:

• Enable the feature in TSplus AdminTool: go to Sessions → Settings → Open Files on Client Side and add desired file extensions (e.g., .docx, .xlsx)
• Save settings and have users log off and log in to apply changes
• When users click a file with a configured extension in the remote session, TSplus sends it automatically to the client.
• The file opens locally with the user's standard app, keeping the original file on the server

Open Files on Server Side

This is the traditional mode: files remain on the server, unless specifically downloaded or transferred:

• By default, files open in the server environment, meaning both file and application stay on the remote machine.
• Users can still download the file manually, using drag-and-drop, clipboard or TSplus File Transfer tool, if they need a local copy.
• This method keeps data securely within the server until explicitly downloaded, preventing accidental local storage.

Summary of these native and third-party methods

Method	Speed	Complexity	Ideal For
Clipboard Copy-Paste	Low (small files)	Very Easy	Text and small files
Drag and Drop (Win 10/11)	Medium	Easy	Users on newer OS
Shared Drives	High	Easy	Large files, folders
TSplus File Transfer feature	High	Easy	Frequent, secure transfer
FileZilla (SFTP)	High	Moderate	Advanced users
HTML5 Transfer (TSplus)	Medium-High	Easy	Browser-based RDP access
Open File on Client Side	Instant Access	Easy	Viewing/editing without downloading files

What Security Best Practices To Implement?

When transferring files via RDP, the following practices need to be respected:

• Use Encrypted RPD Sessions
• Limit Permissions
• Monitor File Transfers
• Protect Endpoints
• Train The Users

Use Encrypted RDP Sessions

Enable TLS encryption and Network Level Authentication (NLA) as a minimum standard. For external connections, use a VPN or SSL gateway to maintain the corporate network protected.

Limit Permissions

Restrict clipboard and drive redirection via Group Policy. Meanwhile, apply role-based access controls in TSplus or your RDP manager.

Monitor File Transfers

Use event logging and audit tools, routinely. Additionally enable File Transfer logging and session reports with TSplus.

Protect Endpoints

Install antivirus/DLP software on both remote and local devices. Data Loss Prevention software or DLP detects potential data breaches, data exfiltration transmissions and the like. It then prevents them by monitoring, detecting and blocking sensitive data while in use (endpoint actions), in motion (network traffic) and at rest (data storage).

Finally, set rules to block unauthorized file types from leaving the server.

Train The Users

Prevention from the standpoint of informing and educating staff and users will involve making them aware of secure transfer methods and their usage. It will also include enforcing policy compliance through automated tools and audits.

Comparison Table: Which File Transfer Method Is Right for You?

Method	Speed	Security	Best Use Case
Clipboard	Low	Low	Quick text/small file copy
Drag and Drop	Medium	Medium	User-friendly for simple tasks
Shared Drive	High	Medium	Bulk transfers on LAN/VPN
TSplus File Tool	High	High	All-in-one RDP file handling
FileZilla (SFTP)	High	High	Technical users, automation
HTML5 Web Portal	Medium	High	Browser-only access
Open File on Client Side	Instant Access	High	Open supported files locally without downloading

Troubleshooting: Why File Transfer Might Be Slow or Fail

Even the best tools can run into issues. When file transfers over RDP are slow or not working, these are common problems:

• Clipboard Not Working
• Drag and Drop Failing
• Transfers Lagging

Did Clipboard Not Work?

If copy-paste fails, it is often due to disabled clipboard redirection. First, check under RDP client → Local Resources tab → Clipboard, and make sure it’s enabled. System administrators may also need to adjust Group Policy to allow clipboard use. Next, with TSplus, there are some tricks which are followed by the last potential loose ends which could hamper clipboard use.

With TSplus

On a TSplus server, open gpedit.msc and follow the steps described on this support page . You will also find details for TSplus HTML5 and macOS usage. And to ensure best setup, the next stop is the full guidance and troubleshooting section dedicated to TSplus HTML5 Client: Using Clipboard .

NB: When using TSplus HTML5, do remind users to use Ctrl +C/Ctrl +V, rather than right-click paste, or to use the Clipboard menu from the top browser toolbar.

Last potential causes to track

Lastly, in some cases, third-party antivirus or security tools might block clipboard access. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

Did Drag and Drop Fail?

As this feature only works with newer versions of the Remote Desktop client, not all server configurations support it. Therefore, if you are using an older Windows version or a non-standard RDP app, drag and drop may not be available.

Make sure both your local and remote systems are updated and check your RDP settings for compatibility.

Are Transfers Too Slow?

Slow transfers also often come down to network speed or file size. When using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection. Otherwise, compressing large files into ZIP folders before moving them can help speed things up.

For frequent or large transfers, switch to a more robust solution like TSplus Remote Access or specific tools. These are built to handle bigger data without delays or failure.

Solving these issues early saves time and keeps your workflow smooth, especially when working remotely under pressure.

What Makes TSplus Remote Access the Best Solution for Fast Secure File Transfers?

TSplus Remote Access offers different fast, secure and user-friendly ways to transfer files between remote desktops and local PCs.

Versatility

Its built-in File Transfer feature allows you to move files in both directions without configuring shared drives or using extra software. You can also open files remotely without downloading them, keeping your local device clean and your data secure.

Light or Legacy Devices

TSplus is perfect for tablets or smartphones with limited storage or older hardware with capacity.

Security

With encrypted sessions and simple controls, TSplus is an ideal solution for professionals who need reliable file access from anywhere .

All in all, TSplus lets you work with your files wherever you or they are.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to transferring files from RDP to PC fast. Nonetheless, with the right method, you can speed up the process significantly. For everyday use, clipboard and drag-drop may be sufficient. For enterprise environments or large files, TSplus Remote Access offers the best combination of speed, security and ease of use.