How to Fix Clipboard History Not Working on Windows

Clipboard history is a valid Windows feature that allows users to copy and paste multiple items. However, sometimes, it may stop working due to system glitches, misconfigured settings, or software conflicts. If you are facing issues with clipboard history not working on Windows, this guide provides troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

What Causes Clipboard History to Stop Working?

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why clipboard history might not be working:

• Clipboard history is disabled – Windows won’t store copied items if the feature is turned off.
• Corrupt system files – Damaged system files can prevent clipboard history from functioning.
• Outdated Windows version – A bug or compatibility issue in an obsolete version can cause clipboard problems.
• Conflicting third-party software – Some third-party applications interfere with clipboard functionality.
• Windows Explorer issues – If it encounters errors, it can affect clipboard operations.
• Group Policy or Registry settings – If clipboard history is disabled via policy settings, it won’t work.

How to Fix Clipboard History Not Working on Windows

Follow these solutions to restore clipboard history functionality on your Windows PC.

1. Enable Clipboard History

The first step is to check whether clipboard history is enabled.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Clipboard.
3. Toggle on Clipboard history.
4. Try copying and pasting again using Win + V to see if the history appears.

2. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer manages many system functions, including clipboard operations. Restarting it may fix clipboard history issues.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
4. Check if the clipboard history is working.

3. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches affecting clipboard history.

1. Click on Start.
2. Select Restart.
3. Once your PC reboots, test clipboard history by pressing Win + V.

4. Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions can cause clipboard history issues. Updating your system ensures you have the latest bug fixes.

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart your PC and test the clipboard history.

5. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix clipboard-related issues.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Scroll down and run the Keyboard troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes.

6. Check Group Policy Settings

Clipboard history may be turned off by a Group Policy, especially on work or school PCs.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
3. Double-click Allow Clipboard History.
4. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.
5. Restart your computer and check if the clipboard history works.

7. Modify Registry Settings

You can enable clipboard history via the Windows Registry if Group Policy is unavailable.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

3. Look for a key named AllowClipboardHistory.
4. If it exists, double-click it and set the Value data to 1.
5. If it doesn’t exist, right-click on a space, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it AllowClipboardHistory, and set its value to 1.
6. Restart your PC and check the clipboard history.

8. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupt system files can cause clipboard history problems. Running SFC and DISM can fix them.

1. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If issues are found, they will be fixed automatically.
4. Next, run the following DISM commands one by one:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Restart your PC and check the clipboard history.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if a third-party program is causing the issue.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable All and go to the Startup tab.
4. Click Open Task Manager, turn off startup items, and restart your PC.
5. If clipboard history works, services can be enabled to find the culprits individually.

10. Invests in a Third-party anti-virus Software

If clipboard history is still not working and you suspect a corrupted system, virus, or malware is causing the corrupted files, consider investing in Forect.

Fortect Premium provides an all-in-one solution with real-time malware protection and advanced system repair. It automatically scans your PC, detects and repairs corrupted files, and safeguards your system from potential threats—ensuring smooth performance and security.

Download Fortect to fix system issues and protect your PC in real time.

11: Enable Clipboard History and Restart Clipboard Service

Windows 10’s clipboard history feature must be enabled to work correctly. To check:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Clipboard.
2. Ensure Clipboard history is turned on.

If clipboard history is enabled but still not working, restart the Clipboard User Service:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Clipboard User Service.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.

This refreshes the service and may resolve clipboard history issues.

Conclusion

If clipboard history is not working on Windows, the issue is likely due to disabled settings, corrupt files, or software conflicts. Following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to restore the clipboard history functionality. If the problem persists, consider resetting Windows as a last resort.