Microsoft’s operating system includes a function capable of storing the contents copied to the clipboard so that you can use them later. Here’s how to enable clipboard history in Windows 11.
Copy and paste content in Windows, everyone (or almost) knows how to do it. Handling is simple since it only requires knowing two keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + C to copy, and Ctrl + V to paste.
But rather than having to perform the operation and repeat it each time the clipboard has been “overwritten” with new content, you can tell Windows to remember all previously copied items.
The Microsoft OS has a very practical feature, the clipboard history, which allows you to keep several previously copied items in memory. This history, which has existed for a long time already on Windows, is however disabled by default. Its installation and use are within everyone’s reach. Here’s how.
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1. Enable History
Enabling Windows clipboard history can be done in several ways. The easiest way is to use the keyboard shortcut Windows + V. After using this shortcut, a window will appear. Then click the Enable button to enable clipboard history.
The second way to enable Windows Clipboard History requires going through Windows Settings. Once the Settings window opens, go to the System section, scroll through the options, then at the bottom of the list, enter the Clipboard menu where you can activate the tool.
2. Synchronize clipboard data
The Windows clipboard can be synchronized between multiple devices. This can be very handy if you work, for example, on two PCs connected to the same Microsoft account to allow you to paste the contents of the clipboard of the first on the second.
To enable clipboard syncing, open Settings, then in System, enter the Clipboard menu, and enable the Sync your devices option.
3. Paste content from clipboard history
When you copy content with the shortcut Ctrl+C, you then copy them with the shortcut Ctrl+V.
To paste from the clipboard history, use the shortcut Windows + V. A window should then open at the bottom right of your screen. You then only have to click on the highlighted item or press the Enter key to paste the contents of the clipboard history.
If you need to paste the same content frequently, you can pin it by clicking on the thumbtack icon from the clipboard history window.
In the same way, each element present in this history can be deleted individually, by clicking on the three small dots, then selecting the trash can.
You can also completely clear the history by going to Settings > System > Clipboard where a Clear button allows you to Clear Windows 11 clipboard data.