Unlock and Use the Hidden Emoji Panel on Windows 10

Whether you are engaging in a fun conversation or conveying thoughts in a professional one, you can use emojis on Windows 10 to add a dash of creativity & emotion to your messages.

How to Use Emojis, Symbols, and Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10?​

1. Open the Emoji Panel​

• Open a Text Entry Program: Open any program that allows text entry, such as a word processor, text file, web browser, or messaging app.
• Activate the Cursor: Click the left mouse button inside the text entry area to ensure the cursor is active.
• Press Windows Key + Period: Hold down the Windows key and press the period (.) key. This will open the emoji panel.
• Select an Emoji: Use your mouse to select an emoji or continue typing to search for specific emojis.
• Insert Emoji: Click the emoji you want to insert it into your text.

Using the emoji panel helps you quickly add expressive characters to your texts without needing to copy and paste from external sources.

2. Type Special Symbols with Alt Codes​

• Prepare the Numeric Keypad: Ensure your keyboard has a numeric keypad. This method only works with a numeric keypad.
• Hold Down the Alt Key: Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
• Enter the Alt Code: While holding the Alt key, type the four-digit code for the symbol you want on the numeric keypad. For example, type 0169 for the © symbol.
• Release the Alt Key: Let go of the Alt key to insert the symbol.

Alt codes allow you to type special characters that aren't readily available on a standard keyboard, making it easier to include symbols in your documents.

Examples of Alt Codes:

• ©: Alt + 0169
• ®: Alt + 0174
• ™: Alt + 0153
• •: Alt + 0149
• §: Alt + 0167

3. Use Common Windows Keyboard Shortcuts​

Basic Shortcuts for Navigation and Tasks​

• Windows Key + R: Opens the Run command.
• Windows Key + S: Opens Search.
• Windows Key + E: Opens File Explorer.
• Windows Key + Tab: Switches to Task View.
• Alt + Tab: Cycles through open applications.
• Windows Key + I: Opens Settings.
• Windows Key + D: Shows or hides the desktop.
• Windows Key + M: Minimizes all windows.

These shortcuts improve efficiency by reducing the number of clicks needed to navigate and perform tasks on your computer.

Text Editing Shortcuts​

• Ctrl + X: Cut the selected text.
• Ctrl + C: Copy the selected text.
• Ctrl + V: Paste the copied text.
• Ctrl + A: Select all text.
• Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
• Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.

Using these text editing shortcuts speeds up document creation and editing by allowing quick actions.

4. Switch Between Keyboard Layouts​

• Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Time & Language: Click on Time & Language.
• Go to Language: Select the Language tab.
• Add a Language: Click on Add a language and choose the language you want.
• Switch Keyboard Layout: By pressing Windows Key + Spacebar, you can switch between different keyboard layouts you’ve installed.

Switching keyboard layouts is useful for typing in multiple languages without needing to change the entire system language.

5. Enable On-Screen Keyboard for Easy Emoji Access​

• Right-Click the Taskbar: Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
• Select "Show Touch Keyboard Button": Click this option to add the touch keyboard button to your taskbar.
• Open the Touch Keyboard: Click the keyboard icon on the taskbar to open the touch keyboard.
• Select the Emoji Icon: Click the smiley face icon to access the emoji panel.
• Choose Your Emoji: Click the emoji you want to use.

The on-screen touch keyboard is handy for frequent emoji users, providing easy access right from the taskbar.

How can I enable or disable the Emoji panel on Windows 10?​

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window, type regedit, and click OK to open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this path:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Input\Settings\proc_1
3. Press Ctrl + F to open the Find dialog box, type EnableExpressiveInputShellHotkey, and press Enter. In case you can’t find the entry, navigate to the above path, right-click proc_1, select New>DWORD (32-bit Value), and name it EnableExpressiveInputShellHotkey.
4. Once it is located, double-click it, and set the Value data to 0, & click OK to disable it. If you want to enable the emoji keyboard, change the Value data to 1 and click OK.

Remember to always restart your PC to save the changes to Registry Editor.

By utilizing these methods, you can effectively enhance your text with emojis and special characters, streamline your workflow with keyboard shortcuts, and switch between different input methods seamlessly.