How to clear clipboard history on Mac and Windows
Clear copied passwords, private messages, images, and old entries from the clipboard you actually use. The steps differ between macOS Tahoe, Windows, and PasteDock.
Quick answer
macOS Tahoe: ⌘ Space → ⌘ 4 → More → Clear History.
Windows 10/11: Windows V → Clear all. Pinned items remain.
PasteDock: open the main panel menu → Clear History → confirm. Snippets remain.
Clear clipboard history on macOS Tahoe 26
1. Press ⌘ Space to open Spotlight.
2. Press ⌘ 4 or click the Clipboard button.
3. Click More beside the search field.
4. Choose Clear History.
Apple warns that sensitive information may appear in Clipboard. Clearing the history is the safest next step after accidentally copying a password, token, private message, or financial detail.
Read more about the macOS Tahoe clipboard history shortcut and privacy behavior.
Clear clipboard history on Windows 10 or 11
Fast method
1. Press Windows V.
2. Select Clear all at the top of clipboard history.
Microsoft says this clears device history except pinned items.
Settings method
1. Open Settings → System → Clipboard.
2. Under Clear clipboard data, select Clear.
Delete one copied item
Press Windows V, open the menu beside the item, then select Delete. This keeps the rest of the history intact.
Clear clipboard history in PasteDock
1. Open the PasteDock main panel.
2. Open the main panel menu and choose Clear History.
3. Confirm the deletion. History entries are removed; saved snippets remain.
PasteDock skips supported password-manager apps when they are frontmost and can blur password-like text, but clipboard privacy is still your responsibility. Pause capture before handling sensitive content and clear history if private data appears.
What clearing does and does not remove
| Clipboard | Cleared | May remain |
|---|---|---|
| macOS Tahoe Spotlight | Clipboard history | Copies stored elsewhere in apps or files |
| Windows history | Unpinned device history | Pinned items |
| PasteDock | History entries | Saved snippets |
Frequently asked questions
Does restarting Windows clear clipboard history?
Yes, except for pinned items, according to Microsoft.
Does a Mac restart clear macOS Tahoe clipboard history?
Apple's current user guide explains how to clear the history manually but does not document restart behavior. Use Clear History when removal matters.
Can I keep snippets while clearing PasteDock history?
Yes. PasteDock's clear-history confirmation removes the history while retaining snippets.
Want control over what your clipboard keeps?
PasteDock adds local history, pause controls, app exclusions, snippets, and a one-shortcut search on Mac and Windows.
Download PasteDock freeSources: Apple Mac User Guide and Microsoft Support.