Gone are the days when the Windows clipboard was restricted to holding just one item at a time, often leading to inconvenience and multiple rounds of copying and pasting. Many users, out of sheer frustration, would turn to external clipboard management tools that allowed the copying of multiple items simultaneously. Understanding the need for an upgrade, Microsoft revamped its clipboard capabilities. Beginning in 2020, Windows 10 introduced the clipboard history feature, which could store up to 25 different copied items. Users could then choose from this list and decide which item they wished to paste from the clipboard window.
The evolution didn’t stop there. Clipboard history evolved into what can aptly be termed the “Windows 11 Clipboard Manager“. Unlike its predecessor in Windows 10, which limited users to viewing a select few copied items for pasting, the Windows 11 version expanded its display capabilities. It now showcases images, emoticons, and icons, enhancing user experience significantly.
This feature is incredibly intuitive. For instance, while navigating the File Explorer, a simple CTRL + Shift + C command copies the path of a selected file or folder to your clipboard. But what if you prefer the old way or have concerns about privacy? The good news is that clipboard history isn’t permanent. Whether you’re using Windows 11 or 10, the feature can be easily enabled or disabled based on user preference. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where clipboard history malfunctions, there are solutions via the Registry Editor or Group Policy to set things right. This article from risewindows is dedicated to guiding you through the process of managing clipboard history in Windows 11.
How do I Turn On or Off Clipboard History through the Local Group Policy Editor?
To enable or disable Clipboard History using Local Group Policy Editor, use these steps:-
Step 1. First, open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Now, browse to the following path on the left side:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > OS Policies
Step 3. Then, double-click on the Allows Clipboard History setting on the right side.
Step 4. After that, select the Enabled option if you want to allow the history of Clipboard contents can store in memory.
Quick Note: If you don’t want to allow Clipboard contents to store in memory, select the Disabled option instead.
Step 5. Now, click Apply.
Step 6. Then, click OK.
Step 7. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.
How to Enable or Disable Clipboard History using Registry Editor?
To turn on or off Clipboard History through Registry Editor, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Now, browse to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
Step 3. Then, if you don’t find the System key under Windows, right-click on the Windows key. After that, select New > Key. Name the newly created key as System.
Here, on the right sidebar, you’ll find a DWORD called AllowClipbloardHistory. If it is missing on your PC, right-click on the System key on the left side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the newly created REG_DWORD to AllowClipbloardHistory.
Now, double-click on the AllowClipbloardHistory REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0: Disallow Clipboard History.
- 1: Allow Clipboard History.
Step 4. Then, click OK.
Step 5. Finally, reboot your PC to apply the changes.
Conclusion
The Windows clipboard has seen a significant evolution over time. From the limitations of holding just a single item to the advent of clipboard history in Windows 10 and the more advanced Windows 11 Clipboard Manager, Microsoft has made conscious efforts to enhance user experience. In Windows 11, not only can users view a variety of copied items, including images and emoticons, but they also have the flexibility to manage this feature based on individual preferences. Whether you’re looking to enable or disable the clipboard history through the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, the steps mentioned above will guide you through the process.
