Sometimes you need to copy the text from a message box which appears on your screen in Windows 10. For example, some application may show you an error message or crash details. In such a situation, you would want to copy its text to the clipboard so you can paste it in Google's search box. Here's a simple trick that you may not be aware of.
To copy text from message box in Windows 10, simply press the Ctrl+C hotkey to copy the message box text and you are done!
For example, suppose you got the following message box:
Then, do not click the OK button, press the CTRL + C hotkey instead. The contents of the message box will be copied to the clipboard. It will include its title and also the button captions.
[Window Title]
winaero[Content]
Windows cannot find 'winaero'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.[OK]
After you copied the contents of the message box, you can press OK to close the message.
The same can be done for other dialog boxes. Let's see one more example with Notepad's save prompt.
The clipboard contents will be as follows.
[Window Title]
Notepad[Main Instruction]
Do you want to save changes to Untitled?[Save] [Don't Save] [Cancel]
The ability to copy the text from dialog boxes was available in previous versions of Microsoft Windows. This trick should also work in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:
If you like this article, please share it using the buttons below. It won't take a lot from you, but it will help us grow. Thanks for your support!
Advertisеment
OMG! This is the best thing since sliced bread! Thanks a lot.
You are welcome.
This is delightful.
Many, many thanks for sharing this.
You are welcome!
Well said Hilary. I wish I had known this longgggg ago :)
Every day I look forward to coming to your site Sergey and reading your knew little gems of info.
Winaero is my favorite site and Winaero Tweaker my favorite app, which gets better and better with each new version.
Thanks ever so much Sergey for all you do for us.
You are welcome. //corrected the comment as requested :)
I so wish I learned this one a decade ago. Thanks for the great tip.
A decade ago.. hmm, yep, it should work in XP :)