Cliplo
Windows clipboard history: how Win+V works and what it keeps
How do I turn on clipboard history?
Press the Windows key and V, then select Turn on. You can also find the switch in Settings, under System, then Clipboard. This works on Windows 11 and Windows 10, though Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
How much does Windows keep?
Microsoft sets three limits:
- 25 entries. When a new copy arrives, the oldest item that isn't pinned is removed.
- 4 MB per item. Anything larger doesn't go into the history.
- Text, HTML and bitmap. Those are the formats it supports.
Why did my clipboard history disappear?
There are two usual reasons. Clipboard history is cleared each time you restart your PC, except for pinned items. And once you pass 25 entries, older items are removed to make room. If the list is empty after turning on your PC, the restart is the likely cause. If it never appears, check that it's turned on.
How do I keep something in the list?
Pin it. Pinned items survive a restart and don't count as old entries to be removed. Press the Windows key and V, select the … next to an item, and choose to pin it.
How do I clear it?
To remove one item, press the Windows key and V, select the … next to it, then Delete. To remove everything except your pins, select Clear all in the same place, or go to Settings, System, Clipboard, and select Clear under Clear clipboard data. The Settings route also clears the copies in the cloud.
How does syncing work?
In Settings, System, Clipboard, turn on Clipboard history across your devices. On Windows 11 you then choose Automatically sync text that I copy, or sync items by hand. Sync is tied to your Microsoft or work account, so use the same login on each device.
When do you need more than Win+V?
For most people, Win+V is fine for getting back something copied a minute ago. It stops being enough when you need something from last week, when you've restarted since, or when you've copied more than 25 things since. That's the gap a clipboard manager fills.
Here's how Windows compares with Cliplo, the one we make:
| Windows clipboard history | Cliplo | |
|---|---|---|
| How much it keeps | 25 entries | Free shows 1,000 clips and 30 days. Everything with Pro |
| After a restart | Cleared, except pins | Everything is still there |
| What it keeps | Text, HTML and bitmap | Text, pictures, code, links, colors and files |
| Sync | Through your Microsoft or work account | Pro, encrypted, through your own cloud folder |
| Price | Included with Windows | Free, or Pro for $29 once at launch |
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