How to Use Your Clipboard Copy/Paste between PCs
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One of the most used computing functions is copy/paste. It allows you to just right-click or use Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy text and images. You can then paste this copied data somewhere else using your right-click “paste” function or keyboard commands Ctrl+V (Window) or Cmd+V (Mac).
The copy and paste function was developed way back in the 1970s by Larry Tesler and it has been a mainstay in the base code for every operating system and program for decades. Most business technology workflows would be seriously hampered without it.
The function works by the use of a clipboard that holds onto the information you’ve copied so you can paste it into a different document or application.
It has been a great tool and has increased productivity in a number of ways. It has also evolved along the way. For example, people now often use more than one device when they work. The reality of the hybrid office has taken hold and many employees find themselves using one device at home and another at work.
Their cloud applications can be used across their devices, but what about the copy/paste function?
It turns out that Microsoft has made this possible by using The (Windows) key + V.
How Does (Windows)+V Work to Share Copy/Paste Function?
There is a two-step process to enabling your copy/paste to work across various Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.
First, you’ll need to turn on your clipboard’s history. Then you’ll need to turn on clipboard syncing.
Let’s discuss clipboard history first.
Turn on Clipboard History
Have you ever seen someone who could access things they’ve copied several “copies” ago and still be able to paste those into a document? You may have wondered how if you haven’t seen this same feature on your PC.
You can do this by turning on your Windows clipboard history.
To turn on clipboard history:
Hold down the (Windows) key + V to bring up the clipboard.
Click the button that says “Turn on” in the clipboard window
Turning on your clipboard history allows you to access items that may have been copied a while back. You’ll also have the ability to pin items to make them easier to find, delete items to clean up your clipboard, and clear all unpinned items from your clipboard.
This is very helpful if you have certain data that you end up copying and pasting often. It can also be useful if you’re on one of your PCs and see something you want to save and use on another PC or device. You can save it in your clipboard history and access it later.
You can access your clipboard and its history by pressing the (Windows) key + V.
Turn on Clipboard Syncing
To have the ability to access the same clipboard from other Windows 10 or Windows 11 devices, you need to turn on clipboard syncing.
Here’s how you do that:
Click the magnifying glass icon on your taskbar.
Type in “clipboard.”
This will bring up the link to your clipboard settings. Click that link.
4. This will bring you to your clipboard settings, where you’ll see several functions:
Turn on clipboard history (you can do it here too)
Sync across your devices
Clear clipboard data
5. Move the slider to the “On” position for “Sync across your devices”
6. The default setting will automatically sync all text that you copy, but you can also choose to manually sync items if you prefer
What’s the difference between automatic and manual syncing of the clipboard?
Automatic will make any text you copy available to other Windows devices that you are signed into. If you choose to manually sync your clipboard text, you will instead choose the items you want syncing in your clipboard window. (Windows key +V).
If you are copying sensitive or confidential information that you need to keep on one device only, then manual may be a better option to choose.
How Do I Access the Synced Clipboard on Other Devices?
You need to be signed into another Windows device with your Microsoft ID to access your synced clipboard.
When on the device, ensure that it also has clipboard syncing enabled, then press (Windows) key + V to get to the clipboard. The synced items will be there, and you can choose from them to paste into a document.
What About Mobile Devices?
Some mobile devices can also use a cross-device copy and paste feature. This includes Surface Duo and select Samsung devices. You can learn which devices and more about this feature here on Microsoft’s site.
On compatible devices, you’ll be looking in the Settings for Features > Cross-device copy and paste, and then toggle that on.
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