How to use Clipboard history on Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you manage the texts and images you copy to the Clipboard, and here’s how.
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OnWindows 11, the Clipboard history feature extends the traditional Clipboard functionality. It does this by adding an interface that records the things you copy (text and images), which you can open to paste the content as needed. You can organize the contents for quick access to frequent items. The feature can also upload the items to the cloud and sync them across all your devices linked to the sameMicrosoft account.
The only caveat is that this is an optional feature that you must enable and configure manually through the Settings app.
In thishow-to guide, I will explain how to enable, configure, and use the Clipboard history feature across your devices.
How to enable Clipboard history on Windows 11
You can enable the Clipboard history in two ways, including using the Settings app or emoji panel.
Enable Clipboard from Settings
To enable Clipboard history through the Settings app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can copy and paste as before, with an added interface to manage your copied content.
Enable Clipboard from emoji panel
To enable Clipboard history through the emoji panel, use these steps:
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Since the Clipboard history is part of the emoji panel, you can also access the feature using the"Windows key + ;" (semicolon)or"Windows key + ." (period)keyboard shortcuts and opening the “Clipboard” tab.
How to sync Clipboard history on Windows 11
On Windows 11, when you enable Clipboard history, you can also configure the feature to upload and sync the contents you copied across your devices linked with the Microsoft account, including those still onWindows 10.
To sync the content history to the cloud and across devices, use these steps:
After completing the steps, the items stored in the history will sync across your devices, allowing you to paste text and images you copied on other computers.
How to use Clipboard history on Windows 11
The Clipboard history works similarly to the classic experience. The only difference is the interface that lets you review and manage the stored content. Also, if you choose the sync option, you can paste text and images you uploaded to the Clipboard across devices.
On Windows 11, when the feature has been enabled, you can continue to use the"Ctrl + C"keyboard shortcut to copy and the"Ctrl + V"keyboard shortcut to paste whatever you stored in the history. You can do the same using the context menu or the command bar on File Explorer.
However, one more addition is the"Windows key + V"keyboard shortcut that opens the emoji panel (in the “Clipboard” tab) to view the list of items copied from other applications, such asMicrosoft Edge, Word, OneNote, Notepad, and others.
Copy and paste with Clipboard
To copy and paste content with this feature, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the text or image will appear in the application, depending on your output selection.
Manage items in Clipboard
To manage items in the history, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the text or image will no longer be available in the history.
How to clear Clipboard history on Windows 11
To delete all the items in the history (excluding pinned items), use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the history will clear on your device, except pinned items.
How to disable Clipboard history on Windows 11
To disable the Clipboard history on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you will still be able to copy and paste as before, but you won’t have access to the history, and the contents won’t sync across devices.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
