I can't copy and paste in Photoshop.

I also have been having this problem on my PS CS6, (started about a month ago) when I tried to Paste an image I could not use the Ctr + C at all. 

Then by pure luck I looked on Edit and a miracle happened: I found a very short word there that said “Paste”.  Since I was already on the layer where I needed the copy, I just clicked on it and Voila! my image was Pasted right where I needed it.

Today is February 16, 2026, I hope this can help those who are having the same problem. 

I am running CS6 on an HP w Windows 11, and have the same problems. All of the suggested alternatives are greyed out and never available to use.  I have tried every combination with the prt sc/SHIFT key, as well as by itself. When I go to CS, I open a new blank file to copy the image to, but Ctrl-V remains grey, no hidden layer, nothing. It's been hugely fruistrating for me as a graphic artist.

I had same problem, just restarted Photoshop and all works again.

It's PHOTOSHOP.  The updates are awful and nothing works efficiently....  I even called Adobe and shared screens with them.  They gave no solutions and told me to call Apple.  Apple gave no solutions and I have deadlines.  THANK YOU ADOBE.

it's a known bug. Here's another topic which covers it extensively:

Photoshop CS5 Clipboard Issue (Win 7)

Select the layer you want in the Layers panel.

Then go into the Source Document window and Select > All or Ctrl-A

Then Ctrl - C, open the Target Document window and Paste.