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How to Type Symbols on Keyboard Windows — All Methods

·11 min read

Want to type symbols on your Windows keyboard but don't know how? You've come to the right place. Whether you need to type a heart ❤️, insert a bullet point •, add a special character like ©, or use mathematical symbols like ±, there are several ways to do it on Windows.

In this guide, I'll walk you through every method for typing symbols on Windows — from simple keyboard shortcuts to the character map and beyond. Let's dive in.

Method 1: Alt Codes (The Classic Way)

Alt codes are one of the most popular ways to type special characters on Windows. Here's how they work:

How to use Alt codes:

  1. Make sure NumLock is enabled
  2. Hold down the Alt key
  3. Type the numeric code on your number pad
  4. Release the Alt key

Popular Alt Codes for Symbols:

Pro tips for Alt codes:

Method 2: Windows Key + Period (Emoji Panel)

Windows 10 and 11 made it super easy to insert emoji and kaomoji:

How to open the emoji panel:

  1. Press Windows key + Period (.)
  2. An emoji panel will pop up
  3. Click on any emoji to insert it
  4. Use the tabs for different categories (emoji, kaomoji, symbols)

What you can find in the emoji panel:

Method 3: Character Map App

Windows has a built-in Character Map app that shows every character in any font:

How to use Character Map:

  1. Press Windows key and search for "Character Map"
  2. Open the Character Map app
  3. Select a font (Segoe UI Emoji for emoji, Arial for basic symbols)
  4. Click on any character to select it
  5. Click Select then Copy
  6. Paste it wherever you need

Advanced Character Map features:

Method 4: Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows 10/11)

Windows has built-in shortcuts for many common symbols:

Method 5: AutoCorrect (Word, Outlook, etc.)

Microsoft Office apps have built-in AutoCorrect that types symbols for you:

Common AutoCorrect shortcuts:

How to customize AutoCorrect:

  1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
  2. Add your own replacements
  3. Create shortcuts for symbols you use often

Method 6: Copy and Paste (The Easy Way)

Sometimes the simplest method is best. Here's how to copy symbols:

Quick copy methods:

Pro tip — create your own symbol library:

Open a blank document and paste all your favorite symbols there. Save it as "mysymbols.txt" or create a Word doc. Whenever you need a symbol, just copy from your personal library.

Method 7: On-Screen Keyboard

Windows includes a virtual on-screen keyboard:

How to use it:

  1. Press Windows key and search for "On-Screen Keyboard"
  2. Open it and click the keys with your mouse
  3. Hold Alt and type numbers for Alt codes
  4. Or click the "Alt" key combinations shown on the keys

Method 8: Special Keyboard Layouts

You can add keyboard layouts that make typing symbols easier:

United States-International keyboard:

  1. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language
  2. Click on your keyboard language
  3. Add United States-International
  4. Switch to it using Alt + Shift

New typing shortcuts with international layout:

Method 9: PowerToys (For Windows 10/11)

Microsoft PowerToys includes a feature called "Keyboard Manager" that lets you remap keys, but the most useful is the "Peek" file previewer and the fancy Zones. However, for symbols specifically, there's also "PowerToys Run" with plugins.

Actually, the most relevant is PowerRename or using the Microsoft Editor in Edge/Office that suggests symbol replacements as you type.

Method 10: Quick Alt Codes Cheat Sheet

Here's a printable cheat sheet of the most useful Alt codes:

Hearts and Love:

Arrows:

Business Symbols:

Math Symbols:

Punctuation:

Troubleshooting Alt Codes

If Alt codes aren't working, try these fixes:

Which Method Should You Use?

Here's a quick decision guide:

Final Thoughts

Windows offers plenty of ways to type symbols — there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer the speed of Alt codes, the variety of the emoji panel, or the simplicity of copy-paste, you now have all the tools you need.

Start with the method that feels easiest and branch out from there. Before you know it, typing symbols will be second nature.

Need more symbols? Check out our comprehensive guide to typing special symbols on any device.

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