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Disable Cloud Clipboard (breaks clipboard sync)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script disables the Cloud Clipboard feature 1, also known as the cross-device clipboard 2. The Cloud Clipboard, introduced in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update 3, synchronizes clipboard contents across Windows devices 1 2 4. While this feature enhances usability, it can pose a privacy risk as sensitive information like passwords or credit card details 5 might be inadvertently synchronized and stored on Microsoft servers.

Disabling Cloud Clipboard is recommended in secure environments where clipboard data should remain local to the system, avoiding potential exposure or misuse of sensitive information 6. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) recommends disabling this feature in such settings for enhanced security 6. Moreover, Microsoft acknowledges that disabling network connections linked to the Cloud Clipboard can improve privacy 1. This script secures your clipboard data by preventing unauthorized access from other processes on your computer or network, reducing the risk of data theft.

The script configures the following registry keys:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System!AllowCrossDeviceClipboard: Disables the Cloud Clipboard feature, preventing clipboard synchronization across devices 1 2 6.
  • HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Clipboard!CloudClipboardAutomaticUpload: Stops the automatic upload of clipboard data to the cloud 7.
Caution

After running this script, clipboard contents will not synchronize across devices 1 2 6. Text or images copied on one device will not be accessible on other devices 3 4 5. This enhances privacy and security but limits the clipboard's functionality across your Windows devices.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable clipboard data collection category. This category includes scripts that focus on disabling various aspects of clipboard data collection in Windows. The clipboard is a critical component of the operating system, often containing sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, and other personal information. However, features such as... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Cloud Clipboard (breaks clipboard sync).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System!AllowCrossDeviceClipboard"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System' /v 'AllowCrossDeviceClipboard' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Clipboard!CloudClipboardAutomaticUpload"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Clipboard'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Clipboard' /v 'CloudClipboardAutomaticUpload' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System!AllowCrossDeviceClipboard"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System' /v 'AllowCrossDeviceClipboard' /f 2>$null"
:: Delete the registry value "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Clipboard!CloudClipboardAutomaticUpload"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Clipboard' /v 'CloudClipboardAutomaticUpload' /f 2>$null"

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