In Windows 11, the traditional clipboard has evolved and now includes advanced features that allow you to manage a complete history of copied elements, synchronize them between devices and even integrate it with third-party tools to multiply its potential. Knowing all the possibilities of the multiple clipboard can save you time and headaches..
In this article, we explain how to turn the clipboard into a true productivity tool, how to activate hidden Windows 11 features, and what third-party apps you can install to take it to the next level.
What is the clipboard and how does it work in Windows 11?
As users already know, the Windows clipboard is a temporary memory space where the elements you copy or cut to paste into another location or application are stored. Traditionally, its operation was limited to saving only the last element, which is useful but quite limited when you need to work with several pieces of information at once.
- When you copy or cut, the item is stored in the clipboard. For example, if you select a text, image or file and use the Ctrl+C (copy) or Ctrl+X (cut) combinations, it is saved in that invisible space on the system.
- When pasting (Ctrl+V), the content is inserted into the destination application. If you copy something and then cut something else, the first item is lost and only the last item remains in the clipboard unless you turn on history.
With the arrival of Windows 11, this classic operation has been extended with functions such as clipboard history, cross-device sync, and support for multiple content types (text, images, files, etc.). These improvements make copying and pasting much more flexible and powerful.
How to enable and use clipboard history in Windows 11
The main new feature that differentiates the Windows 11 clipboard from previous versions is the ability to keep a history of all recently copied items, to paste them in any order and at any time.
Step by step to activate clipboard history
- Accede to Settings > System > Clipboard on your Windows 11 computer.
- Activate the option clipboard history.
- Once activated, every time you copy (Ctrl+C) or cut (Ctrl+X) something, it will be stored in that historial.
- Press the key combination Windows + V to display the clipboard history window.
From that window you can:
- View all recently copied items (texts, images, code snippets, files, etc.).
- Paste any of them, simply by clicking on the one you want to use.
- Pin important elements, so that they are not deleted even if you delete the history.
- Delete individual items or the entire history, keeping only what you really need.
Advanced Native Clipboard Options
Windows 11 clipboard supports more types of content than you can imagine: not just text, but also images and even small files. It also includes very useful features:
- Paste without formatting: If you need to paste text without dragging formatting (bold, colors, links, etc.), many applications support paste special, often with Ctrl+Shift+V or from the context menu.
- Selective management: You can delete items from the history one by one from the Windows+V panel or delete them all at once from the settings (Clear clipboard data).
- Cloud sync: If you have multiple Windows 11 computers with the same Microsoft account, you can turn on the option to Share between devices to carry your history from one device to another. Handy if you frequently jump from laptop to desktop or vice versa.
Of course, it is worth remembering that Anything you copy may be exposed in your history., so it is not recommended to store passwords or sensitive data without first deleting it.
Clipboard sync between Windows 11, other PCs, and Android
One of the most surprising and least known features is the clipboard synchronization beyond the computer itselfIf you have multiple Windows 11 devices and the same Microsoft account signed in, you can share your clipboard history across all of them.
To activate synchronization:
- Go to Settings > System > Clipboard.
- Activate the option Share between devices.
- You can choose between automatic or manual syncing (by selecting which items to sync). The automatic method is usually sufficient for most people.
What if you want to take the Windows clipboard to your mobile device? If you use Android, you can download the Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard and enable clipboard sync in the app's settings. This way, you can copy something on your PC and paste it directly on your phone, or vice versa, as long as you use the same Microsoft account.
Clipboard and Screenshots: Essential Shortcuts and Tricks
The Windows clipboard also plays a key role when taking screenshots:
- Print Screen: Captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard.
- Alt + Print Screen: Captures only the active window and sends it to the clipboard.
- Windows + Print Screen: Takes a full screenshot and automatically saves it to the folder Images > Screenshots.
- Windows + Shift + S: Activates the advanced snipping tool, allowing you to select only a portion of the screen (rectangular snip, freehand snip, current window, full screen) and send it directly to the clipboard.
Furthermore, Windows + G Open the Game Bar, where you can record screen videos—ideal for tutorials or gameplay captures.
Clear and manage clipboard history
In some situations, you may need to delete some or all of your clipboard history, either for privacy or to maintain a tidy environment.
- To delete all history except pinned onesgo to Settings > System > Clipboard and click Delete in the corresponding section.
- From the window of Windows + V, you can delete individual items or tap on the three dots and choose Erase everything.
Remember that the elements pinned items are only deleted manually, so that you don't lose what you have considered important.
Clipboard Limitations and Compatibility
Although the advanced clipboard is very handy, it has a few drawbacks. limit:
- In its traditional form, only one item was stored. By enabling history, you can save the most recently copied items, but there's a limit of about 25-30 items depending on the content (in Office, for example, it's 24).
- The type of content you can copy depends on the application. For example, you can copy an image in Word and paste it into Paint, but if you try to paste directly into File Explorer, you may need to save it as a file first.
What about the clipboard in Office tools?
Microsoft Office has its own advanced clipboard system, optimized for working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. documents. Office Clipboard allows you to store up to 24 items and manage them directly from the task panel of each application.
- Open the dashboard Clipboard from the start menu or with double Ctrl+C (depending on configuration).
- Everything you copy within Office is added to the panel, with the most recent item at the top.
- You can paste each element individually or all at once using the option Paste everything.
- Deleting items one by one or emptying the entire panel is also possible from its own menu.
- You can even adjust how and when the Office Clipboard pane appears to suit your needs.
Security and privacy tips for using the multiple clipboard
The multiple clipboard in Windows 11 and external tools is a great help for productivity, but it's essential to be careful with the information we store there. Everything you copy can be recorded in the history (and in the cloud if sync is enabled). Therefore:
- Avoid copying passwords, banking credentials or other sensitive data if you are not going to delete the history or if you share a device with other people.
- Turn off sync If you work with confidential information and only need the local clipboard.
- Delete history regularly to minimize risks.
The multiple clipboard in Windows 11 is an advanced, highly flexible, and helpful tool for any user who works with large amounts of information. By enabling history, syncing, and learning about the most recommended external alternatives, you can Save a lot of time and improve the organization of your digital daily lifeIf you haven't tried all its features yet, I encourage you to take a few minutes to set it up and experience the difference. You'll see a huge leap in your computer experience.