How to use ALT codes on a laptop without Num Lock and number pad

On a standard desktop keyboard, typing special symbols or characters is easy—you just hold the Alt key and punch a code into the numeric keypad. But if you are using a compact laptop without a dedicated numpad or a Num Lock key, pressing the standard top-row numbers won't do anything. Fortunately, you don't need to buy external hardware. Windows 10 and 11 feature hidden, built-in workarounds that let you input any Alt code symbol instantly. Here is exactly how to do it.

Method 1: Use the Windows Character Map

  1. Click on the Windows start menu button or search bar or search icon.
  2. Type charmap or character map.
  3. Press Enter or click on Character Map when it appears in the search results.
    Open Windows Character Map
  4. In the 'Character Map' window, you click on the character or symbol you need.
    Windows Character Map
  5. Click Select.
    Select a character or symbol in Windows Character Map
  6. Click Copy.
    Copy a character or symbol in Windows Character Map
  7. Now, simply paste the character or symbol wherever you need it using the Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut.

This will instantly insert the copied symbol directly into your Word document, Excel spreadsheet, web browser, or text editor.

Method 2: Use the on-screen keyboard

  1. Open the document, spreadsheet, or web page (like Word, Excel, or your browser) where you want to use the symbol. Click inside it so your typing cursor is blinking.
  2. Click on the Windows start menu button or search bar or search icon.
  3. Type osk.
  4. Press Enter or click on On-Screen Keyboard when it appears in the search results.
    Open the on-screen keyboard in Windows 11
  5. On the on-screen keyboard, click the Options key.
    On-screen keyboard options key
  6. In the next window, check the box next to Turn on numeric key pad.
    Turn on numeric key pad
  7. Click OK at the bottom of the 'Options' window.
  8. You should now see the NumLock key appear on the virtual keyboard. Click the NumLock key to turn it on.
    On-screen keyboard Num Lock key
  9. Press and hold the FN + Alt keys on your laptop's keyboard.
    FN and ALT keyboard keys
  10. While holding down the physical Alt key on your laptop keyboard, use your mouse to click the digits of your ALT code on the virtual number pad.
    Use ALT codes on a laptop
  11. Release the physical Alt key.

The special character or symbol will instantly appear right where your cursor is blinking. (If you need to use it in multiple places, you can now highlight it and press Ctrl + C to copy it).

Common ALT codes (quick reference)

Symbol Character Name ALT Code
° Degree Symbol ALT + 0176
™ Trademark ALT + 0153
© Copyright ALT + 0169
® Registered Trademark ALT + 0174
€ Euro Sign ALT + 0128
£ Pound Sign ALT + 0163
• Bullet Point ALT + 7
… Ellipsis ALT + 0133
± Plus/Minus Sign ALT + 0177
≥ Greater Than or Equal To ALT + 242
≤ Less Than or Equal To ALT + 243
≠ Not Equal To ALT + 8800

ALT codes for E with accent

Character Accent Type ALT Code
é Acute (most common) ALT + 0233
è Grave ALT + 0232
ê Circumflex ALT + 0234
ë Umlaut / Diaeresis ALT + 0235
É Uppercase E (Acute) ALT + 0201
È Uppercase E (Grave) ALT + 0200

ALT codes for A with accent

Character Accent Type ALT Code
á Acute (most common) ALT + 0225
à Grave ALT + 0224
â Circumflex ALT + 0226
ä Umlaut / Diaeresis ALT + 0228
ã Tilde ALT + 0227
å Ring ALT + 0229
Á Uppercase A (Acute) ALT + 0193
À Uppercase A (Grave) ALT + 0192

Related:

How to turn on Num Lock on a laptop with Windows 10 and 11

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