How to Transferring Large Files in Remote Desktop

This tutorial demonstrates the process of transferring sizable files between a Remote Desktop and a local machine, whether on Windows 11/10. We delve into transferring files exceeding 2 GB within a Remote Desktop Session on either a Windows server or client machine.

What is the Limit for File Size Transfer in Remote Desktop?

The maximum file size allowed for transfer via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is restricted to 2 GB. To transfer files larger than this limit during an RDP session, options such as activating Drive Redirection or employing alternative file transfer techniques should be considered.

Methods for Copying Large Files in a Remote Desktop Session

Remote Desktop Services, also known as Terminal Services in Windows Server, is a vital component of Windows supporting Microsoft's remote desktop protocol (RDP). RDP enables users to initiate and manage interactive sessions on remote computers or virtual machines via a network connection. It's important to note that while RDP facilitates remote communication, it's not a standalone remote solution; rather, it serves to enable communication between remote clients and servers.

In instances where attempting to copy and paste (Clipboard redirection) a file exceeding 2 GB over a Remote Desktop Services or Terminal Services session using an RDP client, the file transfer fails.

To address this challenge, several solutions can be employed:

1. Copying Files in Smaller Batches: Split the files into batches smaller than 2 GB for transfer.
2. Utilizing Command Line: Employ command-line operations for copying files larger than 2 GB over Remote Desktop Services or Terminal Services sessions.
3. Drive Redirection for File Transfer: Utilize Drive Redirection to facilitate file transfers between the local host and the remote computer, including local hard disks, mapped network drives, and floppy disk drives. Users can specify the types of devices and resources to redirect to the remote computer via the Local Resources tab of Remote Desktop Connection.

How to Send Large Files Remotely?

For remote file transfers of large files, cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox offer convenient solutions. Users can create shared links for files and distribute them through various communication channels such as chat, text, or email.