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Allow Clipboard synchronization across devices

This machine-level registry value controls whether Windows may synchronize Clipboard contents across devices.

since 0.9.8.11

Purpose

Show registry keys (1)
  • HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System\AllowCrossDeviceClipboard

This machine-level registry value controls whether Windows may synchronize Clipboard contents across devices. It is interpreted as a REG_DWORD:

  • 0 prevents Clipboard contents from being shared with other devices.
  • 1 permits cross-device Clipboard synchronization.

Permitting the feature does not necessarily initiate synchronization. The user must also use Clipboard synchronization, and the participating devices must be signed in with the same Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra account. Depending on the user’s Clipboard preferences, copied text can be synchronized automatically or individual items can be synchronized manually.

Notes

Security

When synchronization is in use, Clipboard contents are uploaded to the cloud and made available to other devices associated with the same account. Consequently, sensitive material copied unintentionally—such as passwords, access keys, or internal information—can become available on those devices.

A value of 0 blocks this transfer path for the Windows cloud Clipboard. It does not disable the local Clipboard or automatically disable local Clipboard history.

Possible side effects

With a value of 0, users cannot paste Clipboard contents on their other devices through the Windows cloud Clipboard. Local copy-and-paste operations on the affected computer continue to work.

Notes

The setting has device scope and is documented by Microsoft as supported beginning with Windows 10, version 1809. Microsoft states that policy changes take effect immediately.

This setting is distinct from AllowClipboardHistory. AllowCrossDeviceClipboard controls transfers between devices, whereas AllowClipboardHistory controls whether a local history of Clipboard contents may be stored.

Microsoft documentation

Microsoft Learn: Privacy Policy CSP – AllowCrossDeviceClipboard

Microsoft Learn: Cloud Clipboard and connections to Microsoft services

See also