6 Effective Methods to Type Accents on Windows 11

Step 1: Access the Windows Character Map

Begin by accessing the Character Map application, which contains a plethora of symbols. Here’s how:

1. Press the Start button, type character map, and click on the app.
2. Alternatively, press Win + R, type charmap, and hit Enter.
3. Once open, browse the available accented characters until you find the one you need.
4. Select a character and click on Select to add it to the “Characters to copy” field.
5. Click Copy to copy it to your clipboard.
6. Now paste the copied character where you desire in your document.

Pro Tip: The ASCII code for any character appears in the bottom right corner of the Character Map.

Step 2: Enter Accented Characters Using Alt Codes

Each accented character has a unique ASCII or Alt code. To use this feature, follow these steps:

1. Position the cursor in the location where you want to type the accented character.
2. Ensure Num Lock is turned on. If you’re on a laptop, you might use the row of numbers above the letters.
3. While holding the Alt key, type the Alt code for your desired character using the numeric keypad.
4. Release the Alt key to see the accented character appear.

Pro Tip: You can view the Alt codes in the Character Map by selecting characters.

Step 3.1: Install United States-International Keyboard

To access a broader range of accented characters, install the United States-International Keyboard:

1. Press Start, search for language, and select Language settings.
2. In “Preferred languages, ” click on Add a language.
3. Search for English (United States), select it, and proceed.
4. Click Install to add it to your keyboard options.

Step 3.2: Switch to United States-International Keyboard

To begin using the International keyboard:

1. Press Win + Spacebar to toggle between keyboards until you reach United States-International.
2. Your selected keyboard will display to the right of the taskbar for easy reference.

Step 3.3: Using the United States-International Keyboard for Accented Characters

To type accented characters:

1. Keyboard sequencing: Press the punctuation key followed by the letter key. For example, press ” then i to get ï.

Pro Tip: You must press space after the punctuation key if you only want a punctuation mark without an accent.

Step 4: Accessing Accented Characters in Word

Microsoft Word allows you to use keyboard shortcuts to input accented characters without switching keyboards. Here’s a hit-list of common shortcuts:

Pro Tip: To add special characters, enter the character code, then press Alt + X in Word.

Step 5: Turning on Sticky Keys

If using multiple key combinations is challenging, enable Sticky Keys to make the process easier:

1. Press Win + i to open Settings, then select Accessibility.
2. Scroll to Keyboard and toggle Sticky Keys on.

Pro Tip: Now, you can press multiple keys one at a time instead of all at once.

Step 6: Using the Windows Virtual Keyboard

Windows provides a virtual keyboard that allows typing accentuated letters, even without a touch-enabled device:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Toggle on the Touch keyboard option under “Taskbar corner icons.”
3. Click the virtual keyboard icon that appears on the taskbar.
4. Click and hold a letter to view accent options, then select your desired accented letter.

Pro Tip: Using the virtual keyboard is similar to typing on a smartphone – intuitive and straightforward!

What is the Character Map in Windows?

Can I use Alt codes on a laptop?

What are Sticky Keys?