Whether you run Windows 10 or Windows 11, the clipboard shortcut key is Win + V. It opens clipboard history: a list of the last things you copied, text and pictures, so you can paste any of them, not just the most recent one.
The first time you press it, Windows asks to turn clipboard history on. After that it keeps up to 25 recent items until you restart, and pinned items stay even after a restart.
Quick facts
Open history
Win + VPaste latest
Ctrl + VPick an item
Arrow keys, then EnterItems kept
Up to 25, cleared on restartKeep forever
Pin the itemOffice clipboard
Alt, then H, then F, then O
How to use the clipboard shortcut key
- Copy a few things with Ctrl + C as usual.
- Click where you want to paste.
- Press Win + V. The clipboard panel opens.
- Move with the arrow keys and press Enter, or click an item. It is pasted at the cursor.
If the panel says history is off, click Turn on. You can also switch it on in Settings, then System, then Clipboard.
Windows clipboard shortcut options
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Paste an older copy | Select it and press Enter |
| Pin an item for later | Click the three dots, then Pin |
| Delete one item | Three dots, then Delete |
| Clear everything except pins | Three dots, then Clear all |
| Paste as plain text (Windows 11) | Three dots, then Paste as text |
In Windows 11 the same panel also holds emoji, symbols and GIFs; the emoji shortcut opens it on the emoji tab.
Clipboard shortcut in Windows 11 versus Windows 10
Both versions use Win + V. Windows 11 adds Paste as text, suggested actions for phone numbers and dates, and tabs for emoji and kaomoji. Windows 10 shows only the history list. Items over about 4 MB, such as very large pictures, are not saved in history in either version.
Sync the clipboard between devices
Clipboard history can sync across computers signed in with the same Microsoft account. Turn on Sync across your devices in Settings, then System, then Clipboard. Leave it off on shared or office computers, because anything you copy, including passwords, would travel to your other devices.
The Office clipboard in Word and Excel
Word, Excel and PowerPoint have their own clipboard pane that holds 24 items from any program. Open it with Alt, then H, then F, then O, or click the small arrow in the Clipboard group on the Home tab. Click any item to paste it. This is useful when you are building one document from many sources, and it works even if Windows history is off.
When Win + V does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing opens | Turn on clipboard history in Settings, then System, then Clipboard |
| History is empty after restart | That is normal; pin items to keep them |
| Turned off by the office | Your organisation can disable history; ask IT |
| Picture not in history | Images over about 4 MB are skipped |
Clipboard on a Mac
macOS keeps only the latest item, pasted with Command + V. Finder's Edit menu has Show Clipboard to view it. For copy and paste basics on Windows see the paste shortcut key and copy shortcut key guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the clipboard shortcut key in Windows?
What is the clipboard shortcut in Windows 11?
The same Win + V, with extra tabs for emoji and symbols.
How do I open clipboard history the first time?
Press Win + V and click Turn on.
How many items does clipboard history keep?
Up to 25 recent items, cleared on restart except pinned ones.
How do I clear the clipboard?
Press Win + V, click the three dots and choose Clear all.
Is there clipboard history on a Mac?
Not built in. The Mac keeps only the latest copied item.