Clipboard history is a useful feature in Windows, allowing users to view and access previously copied content, such as text and images. However, many users have reported issues with clipboard history not functioning properly following recent Windows 11 updates. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and fixing these issues.
How to Fix Broken Clipboard History in Windows 11 Through Clipboard Settings
If your clipboard history is malfunctioning after an update, follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Access the “Settings” menu through the “Start” menu or by pressing “Windows” + “I” together.
- Navigate to Clipboard Settings: Click on “System” in the left menu and scroll down to find “Clipboard.” Alternatively, use the search bar and type “Clipboard” to access the settings quickly.
- Toggle Clipboard Settings: Disable and re-enable the “Clipboard History” feature. Repeat this for “Clipboard history across your devices” and “Suggested actions” (if available). This helps refresh the clipboard functionality. Check if the issue is resolved by pressing “Windows” + “V” .
Other Ways to Fix Broken Clipboard History
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider the following quick fixes:
1. Reboot Your Computer
A simple restart may reactivate features that are not working as expected.
2. Reboot Windows File Explorer
Restarting File Explorer can sometimes fix clipboard issues:
- Open Task Manager: Press “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “Delete” and select “Task Manager,” or right-click the “Windows” icon and select “Task Manager.”
- Restart Explorer: In the “Processes” tab, find “Windows Explorer,” right-click it, and select “Restart.” Test clipboard functionality again with “Win” + “V.”
3. Adjust the Registry Editor
This advanced method can be a last resort to restore clipboard history functionality:
- Open Registry Editor: Search for “Registry Editor” in the search bar and click the best match. Confirm any prompts that appear.
- Navigate to the Required Path: Follow this location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\system.
- Create a New Value: Right-click in the blank space in the right pane, select “New,” then “
DWORD (32-bit) Value."
Name it “AllowClipboardHistory
” and set the value data to “1
” before confirming with “OK.”
4. Clear Your Clipboard Data
If none of the options work, clearing clipboard data might be necessary:
- Access Settings: Use “Win” + “I” to open settings or find it via the “Start” menu.
- Go to Clipboard Settings: Navigate to “System” and then “Clipboard.” Click on “Clear” under “Clear clipboard data” to remove existing clipboard entries.
These steps provide a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting clipboard history issues in Windows 11. If issues persist, consult further online resources or Microsoft support.
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