Quickly copying, cutting and pasting lines of text or image sections has long been one of Windows’ core functions. Accordingly, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + X and Ctrl + V are among the most frequently used keyboard shortcuts. Every screenshot you create by pressing the Print key first ends up in the clipboard of Windows 10. This temporary memory facilitates many tasks immensely. But wouldn’t it be nice to view the clipboard history on Windows 10?
Because there have been some shortcomings in the use of the clipboard since the first Windows versions. Especially annoying for the workflow was the fact that only one element could end up in the tool. If you accidentally pressed the wrong keys or clicked once, the previous entry disappeared irrevocably – and in contrast to deleted documents, it cannot be restored via a backdoor. So it would be really helpful being able to view clipboard history on Windows 10.
But these problems are a thing of the past thanks to Windows 10’s extended clipboard! With version 1809 of the operating system, Microsoft has finally listened to its users and even provided cross-device cloud storage.
New: Using the Windows 10 Extended Clipboard
A new entry was added in the Windows settings with version 1809. You can find it by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu or by using the Windows logo key + I key combination. If you have problems with your Windows key, just have a look at this guide. Once in the settings, go to System and there on the left side to the clipboard options.
View Clipboard History on Windows 10 – Where to find the tool!
If the first slider is still set to Off, you can change it with one click. This will enable you to view the clipboard history on Windows 10. The method is valid for Windows 10 Pro as well as for all other current variants. By pressing the Windows logo key + V, you get a handy overview of all recently cached items from now on. A total of up to 25 entries end up here before the oldest ones are deleted again.
The clipboard window is displayed at a location that Windows deems appropriate – for example, at the bottom or directly at an active text field. A click on any entry is enough to paste it at the selected position. Deleting an element from the clipboard is just as easy. Use the delete key or select the menu function by clicking on the three dots. There you can also empty the entire memory or attach particularly important reminders.
Synchronize with all Connected Devices
Everything that currently remains in your history can be automatically saved in the cloud – if you want to. To do so, go back to the familiar settings and move the second slider to On. Alternatively, you have to click on Getting Started here if OneDrive is not yet set up on your device. This service is the basis for the synchronization. Afterwards, you can access your clipboard across devices. The only requirement: The stored user account must be identical.
Keep in mind, however, that with this function, all your data stored in this way ends up at Microsoft. This is not very problematic if it’s a YouTube link, but can quickly become critical if important data is involved. That’s why we recommend only enabling this second option to sync your clipboard in Windows 10 if you use it constantly. Otherwise, just view clipboard history on Windows 10 and leave it at that, because protecting your privacy is a priority.
