Windows 11: Use Clipboard History to Manage Multiple Copied Items
Use multiple copies of the contents in the clipboard history. Turn on [Clipboard history] in [Settings] > [System] > [Clipboard]. Win+V displays recently copied text and images, and pastes only the item you select at the current cursor position.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- Users who want to streamline daily operations with Windows 11
- Users who want to try out the feature in a way that allows them to restore the settings.
What you need
- Save the file you are working on and try it with test data that does not include personal information.
- The history can be up to 25 items, each item 4MB, and supports text, HTML, and bitmaps. Don't pin sensitive information
Purpose and prerequisites
Use multiple copies of the contents in the clipboard history. Turn on [Clipboard history] in [Settings] > [System] > [Clipboard]. Win+V displays recently copied text and images, and pastes only the item you select at the current cursor position.
The history can be up to 25 items, each item 4MB, and supports text, HTML, and bitmaps. Don't pin sensitive information
Configure the feature
Turn on [Clipboard history] in [Settings] > [System] > [Clipboard].
- Turn on Clipboard History in Settings > System > Clipboard
Try it out and see the results
Open the history with Win+V and select the item you want to paste. For items you want to keep, select [Pin] from the three-dot menu. Win+V displays recently copied text and images, and pastes only the item you select at the current cursor position.
Copy "A" and "B" one after another in Notepad, select the old A with Win+V, and paste it. Pin A and check if only A remains after [Clear All]. After looking at the difference between regular items and pinned items, remove the pin of A and delete it.
Click on the location where you want to paste from the history before pressing Win+V. For example, if you select the email body and then click A in the history, A will be inserted at that position. Ctrl+V continues to paste the previous copy. Enabling history does not retroactively restore previously copied content.
- Open the history with Win+V and select the item you want to paste. For items you want to keep, select [Pin] from the three-dot menu.
- Win+V displays recently copied text and images, and pastes only the item you select at the current cursor position.
Turn it off and restore the previous setup
Turn off the same setting and use [Clear Clipboard Data] or [Clear All] in Win+V. Unpin pinned items individually.
- Turn off the same setting and use [Clear Clipboard Data] or [Clear All] in Win+V. Unpin individual pinned items
Limitations and requirements
- The history can be up to 25 items, each item 4MB, and supports text, HTML, and bitmaps. Don't pin sensitive information
- If the settings are fixed on an organization-managed PC, check with the administrator instead of using unofficial methods to circumvent the policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Win+V and Ctrl+V?
Ctrl+V pastes the previous copy. Win+V selects and pastes items from your saved history.
Why are some items left even after I clear everything?
Pinned items are not eligible for bulk deletion. Unpin it in the item's menu, then delete it.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.