How to enter emojis, GIFs and Symbols with Alt Codes on Windows 11

Windows 11 Alt codes are secret keyboard shortcuts that let you type emojis, GIFs, and special symbols by holding down the Alt key and typing numbers on your keyboard’s number pad. For example, holding Alt and typing 0153 creates the trademark symbol (™) without needing to open a separate menu.

This built-in Windows trick works in everyday apps like Word, Notepad, and your web browser so you can type symbols like © or a long dash (—) straight into your text. You just need a keyboard with a physical number pad on the right side to make them work.

Get Ready

Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then type the specific number code using the dedicated number pad.

The Magic Numbers

These numeric shortcuts let you bypass menus entirely. Hold down the Alt key, type the code for your symbol, and release. For instance, holding Alt and typing 0169 gives you the copyright symbol ©.

A reference list of common Alt Codes provides quick access to special characters on Windows 11. For example, the Alt Code 1 produces a smiley face (😊) for frequent emoji use. Keeping this list nearby improves the efficiency of typing symbols, GIFs, and emojis.

• Alt + 0169 for the copyright symbol (©)
• Alt + 0174 for the registered symbol (®)
• Alt + 0153 for the trademark symbol (™)
• Alt + 0151 for the em-dash (—)
• Alt + 0149 for a bullet point (•)
• Alt + 0167 for the section symbol (§)
• Alt + 0161 for an upside-down exclamation mark (¡)
• Alt + 0191 for an upside-down question mark (¿)

See the Symbol Appear

The Alt Code method requires a working number pad that remains powered on. Lacking a number pad, or having one switched off, prevents these codes from functioning. The Windows emoji panel serves as a functional alternative for keyboards without a dedicated number pad.

The Easy Way: The Emoji Panel

Windows 11 includes a built-in emoji panel, which also provides access to symbols. Memorizing codes becomes unnecessary with this accessible panel.

Open the Panel

Pressing the Windows key and the period key (.) simultaneously inside any text box (such as an email, document, or chat) opens the utility.

Find Your Symbol

The emoji panel appears on screen. Tabs for Emojis, GIFs, and Symbols sit at the top. Clicking the Symbols tab opens the character grid.

Look and Choose

Browsing categories like Punctuation or Currency, or typing a keyword into the search box, locates desired symbols, emojis, and GIFs.

💡Tip

Emojis and animated GIFs insert directly from this panel too.

Add It to Your Text

Clicking an item inside the panel places it right where the cursor sits in most applications. Adding appealing pictures and characters to messages and documents occurs smoothly through this feature.

Windows 11 Alt Codes generally function in most software applications. Certain specialized programs utilize different keyboard shortcuts, however. Checking a program's help section clarifies uncertainty regarding specific shortcuts.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-keyboard-tips-and-tricks-588e0b72-0fff-6d3f-aeee-6e5116097942#id0ebf=windows_11