Clipboard history on Windows
Windows has a built-in clipboard history: press Win + V after turning it on. It keeps recent items, but it is limited and not searchable across a long history. Pastidy keeps a longer, searchable history on your PC.
Last updated 16 October 2026
How to turn on Windows clipboard history
Open Settings, go to System, then Clipboard, and switch on Clipboard history. After that, press Win + V to see recent items.
What the built-in history does well
It is already on your PC, it needs no install, and it works for simple, recent copy and paste.
Where it falls short
It has no screenshot text search, no categories, no reminders, and it is hard to browse a long history. Its size is limited, so older clips drop off.
A better option
Pastidy keeps clips, screenshots and colors in one searchable, categorised history. Search across it, paste with Ctrl + Alt + V, and find text inside screenshots.
Questions and answers
How do I open clipboard history in Windows?
Turn it on in Settings, then press Win + V.
Can Windows search screenshots?
Not with the built-in clipboard history. Pastidy reads text inside screenshots so you can find them.