On computers with Windows operating systems, special characters that do not have specific keys on the keyboard are typed by using Alt Codes. To use Alt Codes, you have to use Numpad with the Alt key. What if your keyboard does not have the Numpad? In this article, we will show you how to use Alt Codes without a Numpad on Windows 11.
How to use Alt Codes without Numpad on Windows 11/10
We will show you the following three methods to use Alt Codes without Numpad on Windows 11.
- By using the Character Map
- By using the On-Screen Keyboard
- By using a Numpad Emulator
Below, we have covered all these methods in detail.
1] Use Alt Codes without Numpad on Windows 11 by using the Character Map
Character Map allows users to insert special characters into their documents. It contains many different special characters. You can copy the required special character from the Character Map and paste it anywhere in your document. The following steps will show you how to do that:
- Click on Windows 11 Search and type Character Map.
- Select the best matching result to open the Character Map.
- When the Character Map appears, it will show you all the special characters.
- Scroll to find the required special character. When you find it, click on it, and click Select. You can select more than one special character.
- All the selected special characters will become available in the Characters to copy field. When you are done, click Copy.
The above steps will copy all the selected special characters to your Clipboard. Now, you can paste them anywhere in your document by pressing the Ctrl + V keys.
TIP: WinCompose, CatchCar and WizKey can help insert Unicode and special characters in your text
2] Use Alt Codes without Numpad on Windows 11 by using On-Screen Keyboard
You can use the On-Screen keyboard to type special characters with Alt Codes. First, launch the on-screen keyboard. Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run Command box and type osk. Click OK. This will launch the On-Screen Keyboard.
The On-Screen Keyboard does not show the Numpad by default. Hence, you have to enable it. On the On-Screen Keyboard, click Options and select the Turn on numeric key pad. Click OK.
To use the Alt Codes by using On-Screen Keyboard, you should know the correct shortcuts. For example, Alt + 3 creates a symbol of the Heart, Alt + 28 creates a symbol of the Right Angle, etc.
Press and hold the Alt key on your physical keyboard and use your mouse left-click to type the required number(s). When you are done, release the Alt key on your physical keyboard. If you are a laptop user, you may have to press the Fn key along with the Alt key.
3] Use Alt Codes without Numpad on Windows 11 by using a Numpad Emulator
If your keyboard does not have a Numpad, you can either use the On-Screen Keyboard or install a Numpad Emulator. The Numpad Emulator is available on sourceforge.net. Download it from there and install it on your PC. Now, launch it and use it to use Alt Codes.
Related: How to use Special Characters and Letters in Windows 11
How do I type ñ on my laptop without a numpad or a function key?
You can use the Character Map to type ñ on your laptop without using the numpad or a function key. Launch the Character Map and find the ñ character. You can use the Advanced view to filter the results. When you find it, select it and copy it. Now, you can paste it anywhere in your document.
What do I do if my keyboard doesn’t have a numpad?
If your keyboard does not have a Numpad, you can use an On-Screen keyboard or install a third-party Numpad Emulator tool. If the On-Screen Keyboard does not display the numpad, enable it in its settings.
That’s it. I hope this helps.
Read next: Keyboard opening shortcuts instead of typing letters in Windows.
