[Bug]: Windows guest: internal file copy/paste fuction broken when shared clipboard is enabled

[thesourcehim]

Version

7.2.6

Host OS Type

Linux

Host OS name + version

Fedora 43

Host Architecture

x86

Guest OS Type

Windows

Guest Architecture

x86

Guest OS name + version

Windows 11 Home build 26200.8117

Component

Guest Additions/Shared Clipboard

What happened?

If shared clipboard is enabled, I can't use explorer's file copy/paste function: pressing copy on files/folders does nothing, no paste option is available anywhere. If I disable shared clipboard (no need to reboot guest), then copy/paste starts working. Enabling shared clipbard again breaks copy function again.

Windows11-2026-04-07-10-56-53.log

How can we reproduce this?

Enable bidirectional shared clipboard, open windows file explorer, select a file and press copy on it. Then try to paste it somewhere where you have writing permissions - paste option is not available, like nothing was copied. Now disable shared clipboard from guest window main menu and try to copy/paste again - works properly now.

Did you upload all of your necessary log files, screenshots, etc.?

• Yes, I've uploaded all pertinent files to this issue.

[alflr]

Which file transfer direction is this issue about, from host -> guest or guest -> host?

[thesourcehim]

Which file transfer direction is this issue about, from host -> guest or guest -> host?

Neither, sorry for not making myself clear, It's INTERNAL (meaning in-guest) file copying. I can't copy file from one guest directory to another. All inside guest using guest (windows) explorer.

[alflr]

Ah okay, thanks for clarifying this. I'll have a peek as soon as possible.

[thesourcehim]

Additinal info: 'Allow file transfer' checkbox affects this. If it's unchecked, problem occurs. Looks like disabling file transfer for shared clipboard disables clipboard file transfer inside guest too.

[alflr]

I've tried reproducing this using a Win11 guest w/ VirtualBox 7.2.6 plus matching Guest Additions, however, with no luck so far. Could it be that you have additional software running on the host / guest which might intercept / modify the (guest / host) clipboard data? Note that the issue also could be triggered by software from the host if the host's clipboard is being modified.

[thesourcehim]

Not sure what software could this be. On the host the only thing comes to mind is the plasma applet that stores clipboard history. Could disabling file transfer actually block file transfer in guest clipboard too? Like I mentioned in previous message, it's the setting in shared clipboard menu.