Can't Paste Multiple Objects in MS Access

Question

Can't Paste Multiple Objects in MS Access

David Mancini 1

Simple as that. Select multiple objects on an MS Access form, and either copy or cut them. They are not pastable. Not on the same form, and not on any form.

This has been broken for AT LEAST a year now, as I found a report from 2025 citing the same issue.

FIX THIS!!!

Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2026-08-17T18:41:50.52+00:00

Maybe others do not have this problem (or they do not know how to reproduce it).
Dale Fye 5 Reputation points

2026-08-18T09:50:49.63+00:00
Have you tried:

decompiling the application? Is it Access wide (all databases) or limited to a single database

repairing the installation of Access or M365. This will often resolve issues.

2 answers

Your answer

Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2026-08-17T18:41:50.52+00:00

Maybe others do not have this problem (or they do not know how to reproduce it).
Dale Fye 5 Reputation points

2026-08-18T09:50:49.63+00:00

Have you tried:

decompiling the application? Is it Access wide (all databases) or limited to a single database

repairing the installation of Access or M365. This will often resolve issues.

Answer 1

What we need from you, beyond the report that a problem exists, is some specific details about the context in which the problem occurs and when and how to make it appear. Which control types are you copying and trying to paste? Textboxes, labels, others? Is there any code running in VBA when this problem occurs? Please verify: this problem appears in design view, correct?

The best possible evidence to enable an investigation is a small accdb that reliably illustrates the problem. Can you share one?

Actually, I just successfully completed a copy/paste operation of several controls on one form in one of my existing databases. I also was able copy those same controls onto another form. In other words, this problem is not replicable in all cases. That means a precise description of exactly what you are attempting to do and the steps involved is required to do any investigation.

In addition to that, we need the exact version and build of Access you have installed.

Go to the immediate window in the VBE and run this command:
?syscmd(acSysCmdGetFullVersion)

Report what it returns.

Here is my version, for example.

Microsoft Access (Version 2607) Build 16.0.20228.20190 Current Channel 32-bit

Another consideration that may be involved would be whether you have exclusive use of the accdb when this happens.

Answer 2

Dear David,

I understand the frustration, particularly if this has been ongoing for a long time. As a forum moderator, I am not able to access your environment to diagnose and fix this for you. Our role here is limited to providing general guidance and solutions for users to implement themselves. I tried to replicate your issue on my end, and I was able to copy and paste multiple objects on an Access form in Design View without any problem, so it does not appear to affect all installations. It is worth trying Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V if you have been using the ribbon or right-click menu.

I also found the discussion you may be referring to, where other users report the same behavior, though unfortunately no solution has been posted there either. If the keyboard shortcuts do not work, I would recommend reporting it to Microsoft directly via Help > Feedback > Report a problem in Access. Given that this has persisted for some time and affects multiple users, the more reports the product team receives, the more likely it is to be prioritized.

I am sorry I do not have a proper fix to offer on this one. I hope it gets addressed before too long, and please feel free to come back anytime if anything else comes up. Wishing you all the best.