Windows 11 Clipboard History for Linux: A Modern, Feature-Rich Clipboard Manager

Introduction

Linux users often face a common challenge when it comes to clipboard management—the lack of an intuitive, visually appealing, and feature-rich clipboard history tool akin to Windows 11’s built-in clipboard manager. The project "Windows 11 Clipboard History for Linux" aims to bridge this gap by offering a sleek, responsive, and highly functional clipboard solution that leverages the power of Rust and Tauri, while maintaining compatibility with both Wayland and X11 display servers.

Developed by Gustavo Sett, this application brings the polished aesthetics and seamless integration of Windows 11’s clipboard manager to Linux desktops, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for developers, designers, and power users alike. Below is an in-depth exploration of its features, installation methods, usage tips, and technical architecture.

🌐 Overview & Key Features

Aesthetic & Performance

The project’s primary appeal lies in its modern design, inspired by Windows 11’s clipboard history interface. Users can expect:

A fluid, minimalist UI with smooth animations.
Customizable theming to match their desktop environment.
Instant responsiveness, ensuring no lag even when managing multiple monitors.

Technical Backbone

Built using the following technologies:

Rust – Ensures high performance and security.
Tauri v2 – A lightweight framework for cross-platform applications.
React + Tailwind CSS – For a dynamic, user-friendly frontend experience.

🔍 Why Choose This Clipboard Manager?

Unlike traditional Linux clipboard tools that often lack polish, this application stands out due to its:

| Feature | Description | |---------|------------| | Universal Support | Works seamlessly on both Wayland and X11. | | Instant Access | Opens instantly with the shortcuts Super+V (Win Key + V) or Ctrl+Alt+V. | | Smart Positioning | Follows your mouse cursor across multiple monitors, ensuring easy access. | | Pin & Sync | Allows users to pin frequently used snippets for quick retrieval. | | GIF Integration | Supports searching and pasting GIFs directly into messaging apps like Discord and Slack. | | Emoji Picker | A built-in, searchable emoji keyboard for quick text formatting. | | Privacy-First Approach | Clipboard history is stored locally; no data leaves your machine. |

📌 Shortcuts & Usage

Basic Navigation

Super (Win Key) + V – Opens the clipboard history window.
Ctrl+Alt+V – Alternative shortcut for quick access.
Enter – Pastes the selected item.
Esc – Closes the application.

Pro Tip: Pasting GIFs

If you need to paste a GIF, simply select it in the clipboard history. The app simulates Ctrl+V, allowing direct insertion into chat applications without manual file handling.

📦 Installation Methods

This project supports multiple Linux distributions, offering both automated and manual installation options.

1️⃣ Quick Start (Recommended)

For users who prefer a hassle-free setup, the following script detects their distribution automatically and installs the app with proper permissions:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/gustavosett/Windows-11-Clipboard-History-For-Linux/master/scripts/install.sh | bash

Note: No logout is required; ACLs grant immediate access.

2️⃣ Manual Installation

Debian / Ubuntu / Mint / Pop!_OS

# 1. Add Repository
curl -1sLf 'https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/gustavosett/clipboard-manager/setup.deb.sh' | sudo -E bash

# 2. Install
sudo apt update && sudo apt install win11-clipboard-history

# 3. Grant Permissions (One-time)
sudo setfacl -m u:$USER:rw /dev/uinput

Fedora / RHEL / CentOS

# 1. Add Repository
curl -1sLf 'https://dl.cloudsmith.io/public/gustavosett/clipboard-manager/setup.rpm.sh' | sudo -E bash

# 2. Install
sudo dnf install win11-clipboard-history

# 3. Grant Permissions (One-time)
sudo setfacl -m u:$USER:rw /dev/uinput

Arch Linux (AUR)

# Using yay
yay -S win11-clipboard-history-bin

# Or using paru
paru -S win11-clipboard-history-bin

3️⃣ AppImage (Universal)

For users who prefer a standalone executable:

Download the .AppImage from Releases.
Make it executable:

   chmod +x win11-clipboard-history.AppImage

Grant permissions (if needed):

   sudo setfacl -m u:$USER:rw /dev/uinput

Keyboard Settings → Shortcuts → New Shortcut
Set Super+V and point it to ./my_awesome_folder/win11-clipboard-history.AppImage.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Common Issues

Shortcut (Super+V) Not Working?

Ensure the app is running:

   pgrep -f win11-clipboard-history-bin

If it’s not running, reset the config:

   rm ~/.config/win11-clipboard-history/setup.json

Conflict with GNOME: Some desktop environments reserve Super+V. Manually unbind it in your system keyboard settings.

Transparency Issues (NVIDIA / AppImage)

If you see a black background or flickering:

# Force NVIDIA workaround
IS_NVIDIA=1 win11-clipboard-history

# Force AppImage workaround
IS_APPIMAGE=1 win11-clipboard-history

🛠️ Developer Contributions

Tech Stack

The project is built with:

Rust – For performance and security.
Tauri v2 – A lightweight framework for cross-platform apps.
React + Tailwind CSS – For a dynamic, responsive UI.

How to Contribute?

Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/gustavosett/Windows-11-Clipboard-History-For-Linux.git
   cd Windows-11-Clipboard-History-For-Linux

Install dependencies:

   make deps && make rust && make node
   source ~/.cargo/env

Run in development mode:

   make dev

🤝 Contributors & Community Support

This project has been shaped by contributions from developers, designers, and bug fixers across GitHub. Notable contributors include:

freshCoder21313 – Code contributions.
Tallin-Boston-Technology – Ideas & feedback.
rorar – Bug reports.
sonarx – Planning & suggestions.

You can explore their contributions here and contribute to its growth!

🎯 Final Thoughts

"Windows 11 Clipboard History for Linux" is a game-changer for users seeking a modern, feature-rich clipboard manager on their Linux systems. With its fast performance, seamless integration with Wayland/X11, and intuitive design, it provides an experience that closely mimics Windows 11’s built-in clipboard functionality.

Whether you’re a developer, designer, or casual user, this tool enhances productivity by offering quick access to past snippets, GIF support, emoji pickers, and smart positioning—all while maintaining strong privacy controls.

For more details, visit the official GitHub repository or explore the releases page for installation options.

Give it a star! 🌟

Windows 11 Clipboard History for Linux