Windows 10 has a built-in clipboard history, and it’s going to get a lot more convenient with the upcoming release of Windows 10 Build 20185, currently available for Windows Insiders to test.
We’ve talked about clipboard history before, and here’s my confession: By “we” I mean “I.” And even though I wrote the piece, I have completely shoved the clipboard history out of my head to this day, when I realized that: 1) It existed and 2) I had not turned it on for some reason.
Oops.
So, I’m back to remind you that Windows 10’s built-in clipboard history is incredibly easy to set up and access. You only have to remember one hotkey that is oh-so-similar to the CTRL + V you already use for copying and pasting. Instead of hitting that, hit Windows Key + V instead. If you do so, you will see this pop-up on your screen (if you have not already enabled the clipboard history):
G / O Media can get a commission
Click that big blue button to turn it on – easy as that. You can also try Windows 10s Settings> System> Clipboard to enable clipboard history like Microsoft’s handy clipboard sync feature, in case you want to keep that history consistent between your various Windows 10 systems. (Make sure you have done the same steps on the rest of them to make sure this feature is enabled, and make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account on each one.)
Now you just need to free yourself from the comfort CTRL + V and move on to the futuristic Windows Key + V– the exact problem I had when I first reported Windows 10’s clipboard history. And if copying and pasting from a history of text, images, or HTML code is not enough to help you make the switch, Windows 10 Build 20185 will still sweat the offer.
As Windows last reports, Microsoft is expanding the clipboard history to add tabs for (searchable) emojis, symbols, kaomoji, and GIFs. It feels like almost too many fireworks for your clipboard, turn it into the kind of interface you would expect when you text a friend about any messaging app you use.
However, that is a lot of useful fireworks that will save you time from refurbishing emoji of GIFs yourself. I can not promise that I would use these new features of clipboard every day of my life, but I do to do look for a set of emojis and GIFs when chatting with friends. The ability to do that Windows-wide seems really useful.
If you are itching to use this new clipboard history right now, you will need to sign up for Microsoft’s Windows Insider program (via Windows Update). Once you have done that, sign up for Dev Channel updates to get Build 20185. Here’s hoping nothing bugs come out on you.
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