Quick answer
Turn on Num Lock, hold the left Alt key, type the code on the numeric keypad, and release Alt. If your laptop has no keypad, use Character Map, the Windows symbol panel, or an application's Unicode method instead.
How to enter a traditional Alt code
Alt codes are a Windows input method with roots in older character sets. They remain convenient for a small set of commonly used marks, but they are not a complete or uniform Unicode keyboard.
- Click where the character should appear.
- Turn on Num Lock.
- Hold the left
Altkey. - Type the full sequence on the numeric keypad.
- Release
Alt.
Test in Notepad or Word if an application intercepts the shortcut. Do not use the row of digits above the letters unless your laptop explicitly maps an embedded numeric keypad to those keys.
Useful, dependable Alt codes
| Symbol | Name | Windows code |
|---|---|---|
| ° | Degree | Alt + 0176 |
| © | Copyright | Alt + 0169 |
| ® | Registered | Alt + 0174 |
| ™ | Trademark | Alt + 0153 |
| • | Bullet | Alt + 0149 |
| — | Em dash | Alt + 0151 |
| – | En dash | Alt + 0150 |
| … | Ellipsis | Alt + 0133 |
| € | Euro | Alt + 0128 |
| £ | Pound sterling | Alt + 0163 |
| ¥ | Yen | Alt + 0165 |
| ± | Plus-minus | Alt + 0177 |
| × | Multiplication | Alt + 0215 |
| ÷ | Division | Alt + 0247 |
| ² | Superscript two (squared) | Alt + 0178 |
| ³ | Superscript three (cubed) | Alt + 0179 |
These are the leading-zero Windows forms. Short non-zero-prefixed codes can map through a different legacy set and may produce another glyph. Only ¹, ², and ³ have classic Alt codes among the raised digits; the squared symbol guide covers ⁴–⁹ and the difference between these characters and superscript formatting.
Why an Alt code may not work
The keyboard has no numeric keypad
Many laptops omit it. Some models provide an embedded numpad toggled by Fn and Num Lock, but the arrangement is device-specific. An external keypad works; otherwise use a modern symbol picker.
Num Lock is off
The keypad may act as navigation keys. Turn on Num Lock and retry in a plain text editor.
The application owns the shortcut
Browser menus, remote desktops, games, and specialized editors can intercept Alt input. Paste the character or insert it through the application’s own menu.
The code is not a classic Alt code
Online lists sometimes label a Unicode decimal value as an Alt code even when Windows does not support that sequence consistently. If a code works only in one font or program, it is not a safe universal recommendation.
Use Word’s Unicode Alt + X method
Word supports a broader conversion system. Type the hexadecimal Unicode value and press Alt + X: 221E becomes ∞, 2713 becomes ✓, and 2260 becomes ≠. This feature belongs to Word and some compatible editors; it is not a general Windows shortcut.
If the code touches another hexadecimal-looking character, select only the intended code before pressing Alt + X so Word knows what to convert.
Better alternatives for laptops
- Press
Windows+.and browse the symbol panel. - Open Character Map for a font-by-font character view.
- Use Insert → Symbol in Office apps.
- Copy a verified Unicode character from the symbol finder.
- Add a language layout when you regularly type another alphabet or accented letters.
These methods are more discoverable and cover far more of Unicode than a memorized Alt-code chart.
Alt codes and Unicode are not the same thing
Unicode assigns a code point to each character, such as U+00A9 for ©. Traditional Alt input historically routes numbers through Windows code pages. That is why a Unicode decimal value is not automatically a working Alt sequence and why output can differ in older software.
For websites, databases, and files, store text as UTF-8. Treat Alt codes as one way to enter characters, not as the character’s permanent identity.
Remote desktop and virtual-machine issues
The host computer may consume the Alt key or Num Lock before the remote system receives it. Use the remote session’s on-screen keyboard, paste the character, or open Character Map inside the remote environment. Avoid changing system-wide input settings unless you understand which machine will receive the keystrokes.
References and compatibility
These platform references explain the input methods used above. Availability varies by app and keyboard layout; a Unicode value is not automatically a numeric-keypad Alt code.
Editorial note: Shortcuts can vary by keyboard layout and app. Check the stated platform and use the copy-and-paste fallback when needed. Report a correction with your device, layout, and application; see our editorial policy for limitations.