Find yourself copying the same blocks of text again and again? Wondering how you can re-use such pieces of text (such as addresses, names, disclaimers, etc.)? You don’t have to resort to copying from a swipe file, and you don’t need additional software either. Find out here how to set up and use a permanent collection of text snippets in Windows.
First, Peppery for Longer
The prettiest, the tastiest, the most likely to wilt and shrivel: Europe’s red, white and mildly fiery radishes are prime contenders in all of these categories.
To give your radishes better chances in the former two categories for longer after you have harvested (or bought) them, try this: trim the greens and keep the bulbs in a glass of fresh, cold water.
Now that a crunchy treat (on buttered bread!) is waiting, let’s make sure certain text snippets (or images!) stay ready for pasting for longer:
How to Use a Permanent Collection of Text Snippets in Windows
Save Text Snippets in Windows
Time needed: 1 minute
To save a new item (plain text, formatted text or image) for easy insertion anywhere in Windows:
- Enable clipboard history in Windows.
Here’s how: Enable Clipboard history in Windows settings.
- Compose (or locate) the content you want to save as a snippet for later re-use.
- Highlight the text or image you want to permanently copy to the clipboard.
- Press Ctrl C.
- Open clipboard history.
Here’s how: Press Windows V.
- Click Pin Item (📌).
Insert Text Snippets in Windows
To paste an item you have pinned permanently to the clipboard in Windows:
- Position the text cursor where you want to insert the snippet.
- Press Windows V to open clipboard history.
- Click the pinned clipboard entry you want to insert.
Here’s where: You can find the pinned snippets at the bottom of the list.
Using the keyboard: You can use the arrow keys (up and down or right and left) to navigate the list, then press Enter to insert a snippet.
How to Use a Permanent Collection of Text Snippets in Windows: FAQ
Can I rearrange the pinned items in Windows clipboard history?
No.
Snippets are always kept in the order of addition to the clipboard history. You can always remove a pinned snippet, of course, and add it again to move it to the top of the list.
Can I set up shortcuts or abbreviations for individual snippets?
No.
You can only choose text snippets from the list using arrow keys or the mouse cursor. You cannot jump to an entry or set up shortcuts for individual snippets.
How can I remove a pinned snippet?
To delete a pinned snippet from your Windows clipboard history:
- Open clipboard history.
Here’s how: Press Windows V. - Click the three dots menu for the entry you want to remove.
- Now click Delete.
(Tested with Windows 11 Version 24H2; first published February 2025, last updated July 2025)