Fix the 'Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here' Error

Many users encounter the “Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here” message while copying and pasting text, files, or data within Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, or third-party apps. Microsoft Intune’s Data Relocation Policy enforces this restriction, a security feature that prevents unauthorized data transfers.

While this restriction protects corporate data, it often becomes frustrating when users cannot copy and paste even within company-approved applications. Fortunately, several ways to fix this issue include updating Microsoft apps, modifying Intune policies, and adjusting system settings.

What Is the ‘Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here’ Error?

This error message appears when a user attempts to paste data into an unauthorized application. Microsoft enforces this restriction using Intune App Protection Policies, which control how data is transferred between apps.

Common Reasons for This Error:

• Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy is preventing copy-paste.
• Outdated Microsoft Office apps are enforcing older security rules.
• Microsoft Endpoint Manager settings restrict data transfers between apps.
• Windows Updates are missing, causing security conflicts.

If you are experiencing this issue, follow the steps below to resolve it.

How to Fix the ‘Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here’ Error.

To fix this issue, follow the steps below and adjust your settings to allow pasting in your Microsoft applications.

Fix 1: Update Microsoft Outlook and Office Apps

One of the most common reasons for this error is an outdated version of Outlook or other Microsoft apps. Microsoft has released updates that reduce copy-paste restrictions, but older versions may still enforce strict security policies.

Steps to Update Microsoft Outlook & Office Apps:

1. Open Outlook or any Microsoft Office application (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Click on File > Account (or Office Account).
3. Under Product Information, click Update Options > Update Now.
4. Allow the update to complete and restart your computer.

After updating, try copying and pasting again. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

Fix 2: Modify Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy

The Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy is the leading cause of the copy-paste restriction. If your organization allows it, you can modify this policy to enable pasting in approved applications.

Steps to Modify Microsoft Intune Data Policy:

1. Log into Microsoft Intune by opening Microsoft Endpoint Manager in a web browser.
2. Click on Client Apps in the left navigation panel.
3. Select App Protection Policies to view your organization’s data restrictions.
4. Look for Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy and open it.
5. Find the setting labeled ‘Restrict cut, copy, and paste between other apps’.
6. Change the setting from ‘Blocked’ to either ‘Policy Managed Apps’ or ‘Policy Managed Apps with Paste In’.
7. Click OK and save the changes.

After making these changes, restart your device and check if the error is resolved.

Fix 3: Verify System Updates

Outdated system software can cause security conflicts and prevent copy-paste functions from working correctly. Ensure that your system is fully updated to avoid compatibility issues.

Steps to Update Windows:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
3. Restart your device after installation.

This will ensure your system runs the latest Microsoft security patches, which may resolve the issue.

Fix 4: Create a New App Policy (If Needed)

If modifying the Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy does not resolve the issue, you may need to create a new policy that explicitly allows pasting within your organization’s approved applications.

Steps to Create a New Intune Data Policy:

1. Log into Microsoft Intune through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
2. Navigate to App Protection Policies and click the + (Add) button.
3. Enter the required details and select Data Protection under Data Transfer.
4. Adjust the copy-paste settings to allow pasting into company-managed apps.
5. Save the policy and apply it to relevant users or devices.

Once done, restart your system and test the copy-paste function again.

Fix 5: Use Microsoft Edge Instead of Third-Party Browsers

Some users experience this error when copying data into third-party apps like Google Chrome, Firefox, or non-Microsoft applications. If your organization enforces strict App Protection Policies, pasting may work only within Microsoft-approved apps like Microsoft Edge or Office 365 Web Apps.

Steps to Try This Workaround:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and sign into your Microsoft account.
2. Try pasting the data into a web-based Outlook, Word, or Excel version.
3. If pasting works, your organization is blocking data transfers to third-party applications.
4. Contact your IT administrator to request a policy change if you must use another browser.

This additional fix ensures users have a temporary workaround in case policy changes aren’t possible.

Why Does Microsoft Restrict Copy-Paste?

Microsoft enforces App Protection Policies to prevent unauthorized data leaks. Organizations use these settings to restrict data movement between company-approved and external apps.

However, in many cases, these policies block legitimate actions, such as copying data between Microsoft Office apps. That’s why adjusting Microsoft Intune policies is sometimes necessary to balance security and usability.

Future Updates & Microsoft’s Security Changes

Microsoft continuously updates Intune and Endpoint Manager policies to balance security with user experience. In future updates, Microsoft may introduce:

• More flexible copy-paste settings for administrators.
• Automated policy exceptions for trusted applications.
• Better user notifications explaining why pasting is blocked.

Organizations can manually adjust policies to allow pasting in company-approved applications while keeping data security intact.

Conclusion

The ‘Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here’ error is caused by Microsoft Intune security policies restricting copy-paste functions. While these policies protect corporate data, they often prevent legitimate usage, leading to frustration among users.

To fix this issue, update Microsoft Office apps, then modify the Microsoft Intune Data Relocation Policy to allow pasting within approved apps. If the problem persists, update Windows and, if necessary, create a new Intune policy.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with colleagues or IT admins who may also be experiencing this issue.