Error: "Unsaved documents cannot be cut or copied to the clipboard from the miscellaneous files project" in SSMS

Error: "Unsaved documents cannot be cut or copied to the clipboard from the miscellaneous files project" in SSMS

When attempting to copy text from the Find and Replace window in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the following error message may appear:

"Unsaved documents cannot be cut or copied to the clipboard from the miscellaneous files project. You must save the unsaved document(s) before cutting or copying them."



This behavior is known to occur in various SSMS versions, including recent builds available via SSMS 21 download. It is not related to the database or script content itself, but rather to how SSMS handles temporary (miscellaneous) files in the environment.

Cause

This issue is triggered when SSMS attempts to treat unsaved documents in its miscellaneous files project as editable objects. In such cases, copy and cut operations are blocked until the document is saved or the miscellaneous files setting is modified.

Workaround:

To resolve the issue and re-enable copy functionality from the Find and Replace window:
  1. Open the Tools menu and select Options.
  2. Navigate to Environment → Documents.
  3. Uncheck the box labeled: Show Miscellaneous files in Solution Explorer. (This setting prevents unsaved files from being tracked in Solution Explorer.)
  4. Close and reopen SQL Server Management Studio.
After restarting SSMS, the error should no longer appear, and you will be able to copy text as expected.

Info
Additional Notes
​
This issue has been observed across different SSMS builds and configurations. If the workaround does not apply or the behavior persists, consider verifying your installation:
  1. Ensure you're using the latest stable version of SSMS.
  2. Download the official version via the SSMS 21 download.
  3. For best results, use the official SSMS installer to avoid corrupted configurations or partial setups that may impact editor behavior.

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