The emoji shortcut Windows gives you is Win + .: hold the Windows logo key and press the full stop. A small emoji panel opens next to your cursor in almost any app, from Word to a browser chat box. Win + ; opens the same panel.
You do not need to scroll through hundreds of faces. Start typing as soon as the panel opens, for example heart or thumbs, and the list filters itself. Press Enter to insert the highlighted emoji.
Quick facts
Open emoji panel
Win + .Same panel
Win + ;Search
Just start typingInsert
EnterClose
EscMac
Control + Command + Space
How to use the emoji shortcut Windows offers
- Click where you are typing: a message, a document, a file name box.
- Press Win + .. The panel opens at the cursor.
- Type a word such as smile, fire or tick to search.
- Use the arrow keys to move and Enter to insert. The panel stays open for more.
- Press Esc when you are done.
The emoji appears as a coloured picture in apps that support it and as a simple outline in older programs.
Windows emoji keyboard shortcut and tabs
| Tab | Contents |
|---|---|
| Emoji | Faces, hands, hearts, food, flags and more |
| GIF | Animated pictures to paste into chats (needs internet) |
| Kaomoji | Text faces such as ( ^_^ ) |
| Symbols | Currency, maths, arrows, Latin letters |
| Clipboard | Recent copies, same as Win + V |
Windows 10 has the emoji, kaomoji and symbols tabs. The symbols tab is a handy alternative to the codes on the symbol shortcut keys page.
Emoji shortcut key in laptop keyboards
The period key sits near the right Shift on every layout, and the Windows logo key is beside the left Alt, so the shortcut for emoji in laptop keyboards needs no Fn. If your laptop has an assistant or other special key where the right Windows key used to be, use the left Windows key.
Typing emoji with the touch keyboard
On a touch screen laptop, the touch keyboard has an emoji button next to the space bar. If you prefer a keyboard on screen with a mouse, see the on screen keyboard shortcut page, although the Win + . panel is faster for emoji.
When the emoji panel does not open
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens | Click inside a text box first; the panel needs a place to type |
| Opens in some apps only | Older programs ignore it; type in a browser or Word instead |
| Keyboard language not English | Switch to an English layout with Win + Space, then try again |
| Emoji look like empty boxes | The program or font cannot show colour emoji |
Emoji on a Mac
Mac users press Control + Command + Space, or the globe key on newer keyboards, to open the Character Viewer. It works like the Windows panel: type to search, press Return to insert. See the Mac emoji shortcut guide. Typing in Hindi uses a different switch, covered in change keyboard language.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for emoji in Windows?
Is the emoji shortcut the same in Windows 11?
Yes, and Windows 11 adds GIF, clipboard and symbol tabs to the panel.
Can I search for an emoji?
Yes. Start typing a word right after the panel opens.
Why does the emoji keyboard shortcut not work?
Click into a text box first, and make sure an English keyboard layout is active.
How do I type emoji on a Mac?
Press Control + Command + Space.
Can I use emoji in file names?
Yes, Windows allows emoji in file names, but some older programs may not show them.