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broken clipboard

Dan Bromberg 51 Reputation points
2021-05-29T22:52:46.06+00:00

When I click on the Windows key + V, the clipboard window tries to open but is blank (i.e., a totally white box with absolutely NO writing in it) except for a spinning circle.
It is trying to load but the circle just keeps spinning. After 30 seconds it gives up with no error message.
It used to work just fine and I was hoping now that I'm at release 21H1 the problem would have cleared up, but it didn't.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.
Dan

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4 answers

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  1. Teemo Tang 11,471 Reputation points
    2021-05-31T01:39:01.097+00:00

    The simplest fix when clipboard functionality is not working is to open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab, then click "Restart". Be sure there are no file copy processes ongoing, and any open Windows Explorer windows will close, but it should restore your clipboard functions.

    Check the Clipboard history option in Settings ->System ->Clipboard, make sure it is enabled.

    Try more solutions here:
    (Solved) Fix Copy Paste not Working on Windows 10
    https://thegeekpage.com/solved-fix-copy-paste-not-working-on-windows-10/

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  2. Dan Bromberg 51 Reputation points
    2021-05-31T21:54:28.123+00:00

    Hi TeemoTang:

    I restarted Windows Explorer but it did not correct my clipboard problem.
    Please understand that my 'cut and paste' still works but the clipboard displays no clipboard history (not even an MS logo or error) and remains totally blank.
    After 30 seconds it vanishes completely.

    But thanks for your suggestion,
    Dan

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. Sam of Simple Samples 5,546 Reputation points
    2021-05-31T22:50:00.01+00:00

    I am not sure if you are more concerned about your clipboard or the clipboard app.

    For diagnostic purposes try the Free Clipboard Viewer for Windows. You can use it as a second opinion; if the clipboard looks okay using that utility then you know the problem is the app written by Microsoft. The clipboard has always been fragile and I think clipboard apps such as the one you are asking about are even more fragile.

    For the clipboard app see Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app. You probably ned to install that if you have not already. After installing you can filter on just Problems and search for clipboard and things like that.

  4. Teemo Tang 11,471 Reputation points
    2021-06-02T08:35:16.23+00:00

    Very strange, you could try to create a new account for test. Maybe user profile lead to clipboard issue.
    Another method, since you are using the latest 21H1, Reset this PC then choose keep my files option

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