Windows 11 includes a highly convenient feature called “Clipboard History.” Instead of only remembering the very last thing you copied (Ctrl + C), it secretly stores the last 25 items you copied—including text, images, and HTML links—which you can access by pressing the Windows Key + V. While this is great for productivity, it is a massive security hazard.
If you copy a password from your password manager, a credit card number, or a sensitive private email, that data remains permanently locked in the Clipboard History. Anyone who walks up to your unlocked computer and presses Win + V can instantly see (and paste) your private information. To secure your PC, you must manually wipe this hidden cache.
How to Completely Erase Windows 11 Clipboard History
You can clear the entire history at once through the Windows 11 Settings app.
- Click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings.
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, ensure you are on the System tab.
- Scroll down the main window and click on Clipboard.
- In the Clipboard menu, look for the section labeled Clear clipboard data.
- Click the grey Clear button located next to it.
The button will briefly flash, and the word “Cleared” will appear with a checkmark. Every single password, image, and snippet of text you have copied has been permanently purged from your computer’s RAM. (Note: If you never want Windows to save your history again, you can also flip the toggle switch for “Clipboard history” at the top of this menu to Off).