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    1 min read 5 stepsJanuary 10, 2026Verified January 2026

    How to Copy and Paste on Windows

    One of the most essential computer skills — learn to copy and paste text, files, and more.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Select text or files
    2. 2.Copy the selection
    3. 3.Paste the copied item
    4. 4.Cut instead of copy
    5. 5.Use clipboard history
    1

    Select text or files

    ~15s
    Click and drag to highlight text, or click a file to select it. Hold Ctrl and click to select multiple items.
    2

    Copy the selection

    ~15s
    Press Ctrl+C to copy the selected item to your clipboard. You can also right-click and choose "Copy".
    3

    Paste the copied item

    ~15s
    Navigate to where you want to place it and press Ctrl+V. Right-click and select "Paste" also works.
    4

    Cut instead of copy

    ~15s
    Press Ctrl+X to cut — this copies the item and removes it from the original location (great for moving files).
    5

    Use clipboard history

    ~15s
    Press ⊞ Win+V to see your clipboard history — a list of recently copied items you can paste from.

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    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Copy and Paste on Windows — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure