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How to turn on clipboard history in Windows 11

Press Windows + V. If it says clipboard history is off, turn it on. From then on, Windows + V shows your recent copies and you click one to paste it.

How to do it

  1. Press the Windows key + V.

  2. If the panel says clipboard history is off, turn it on.

  3. Copy two different bits of text, press Windows + V again, and click the older one to paste it.

  4. The settings page, if you need it later, is Settings > System > Clipboard.

The panel holds text and images, with a size limit of a few megabytes. Pin an item if you want it to survive a restart.

On a shared computer, do not copy passwords into it. Clear all is in the same panel.

Other ways to do it

  • Ditto App

    Pick it if you copy and paste all day and want a searchable history that survives restarts.

    Stick with this tip if you only need the last few copies back and don't want another app running.

  • Paste into Notepad as you go By hand

    Pick it if you are collecting bits for one document and want to see them all at once.

    Stick with this tip if you don't want to stop and switch windows every time you copy.

Questions people ask

Does clipboard history survive a restart?

Only pinned items do. Pin anything you want to keep. The rest is cleared when the PC restarts.

Is it safe to copy passwords?

Not on a shared PC, because anyone at the keyboard can press Windows + V. Use Clear all in the same panel if something sensitive got in.

Can it sync between PCs?

Yes, there's a sync option under Settings > System > Clipboard when you're signed in with a Microsoft account. Leave it off if you don't need it.

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