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For an occasional é, ñ, ü, or ç, keep your current keyboard layout and open the Windows symbols panel: press Win + ., choose Symbols, then browse for the character. If you need to find and copy a character, use Character Map instead. Neither method requires switching layouts.
Use the Windows symbols panel for occasional accents
- Place the cursor where you want the character.
- Press Windows key + period (.) to open the emoji panel.
- Select Symbols, then browse for the accented character and select it to insert it.
Microsoft says the Symbols view includes accented keys, alongside punctuation and other symbols. You may need to scroll; the documentation does not promise that every character appears in every Windows release. Microsoft’s Windows keyboard tips and tricks describes the panel.
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Find and copy a character with Character Map
- Open Start and search for Character Map, then launch the Windows utility.
- Browse the available characters and select the one you need.
- Copy the selection, return to your document or app, and paste it.
Character Map is useful when you want to browse characters before inserting them. The font you choose affects which characters are available. See Microsoft’s guide to Windows keyboard and text tools.
Use Alt codes only if you have a numeric keypad
Windows’ documented four-digit Alt-code method requires a numeric keypad: hold Alt and enter the character’s code on the keypad. The number row above the letter keys does not work for this method. You must know the code for the character you want; Microsoft’s examples include Alt + 0161 for ¡ and Alt + 0191 for ¿. See Microsoft’s Windows keyboard tips and tricks.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
In Word and Outlook: use app-specific shortcuts
Microsoft documents shortcuts for international characters in Outlook and related Office contexts. For example, a supported sequence can use Ctrl + apostrophe, followed by a letter, to enter an acute-accent character; Office also supports entering a Unicode hexadecimal value and pressing Alt + X in supported contexts. These are application-specific instructions, not universal Windows shortcuts for every text field. Consult Microsoft’s international-character shortcut reference for the relevant app and combinations.
Use the touch keyboard on a touchscreen
Windows can show the touch keyboard when you tap a text field in tablet mode or open it from its taskbar icon. It offers different layouts, but Microsoft’s guidance does not establish that every accent is available in every language or layout. See Microsoft’s touch keyboard guide.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Which method should you choose?
| What you need | Method | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Insert one or a few accents in different apps | Win + . → Symbols | Browse the panel; exhaustive character coverage is not established. |
| Browse, select, and paste a character | Character Map | Requires copy and paste; available characters depend on the selected font. |
| Enter a known code with a numeric keypad | Alt + four-digit code | The top number row does not work for this method. |
| Type in Word or Outlook with a shortcut | Office shortcut or Unicode code + Alt + X | Instructions apply to supported Office contexts, not all Windows apps. |
| Type on a touchscreen | Touch keyboard | Accent availability can vary by keyboard language and layout. |
Keep the keyboard layout unchanged
The methods above let you insert accented characters without changing the active layout. Adding or switching to another layout is a separate option: Windows documents layout management under Settings → Time & language → Language & region, and Win + Space switches among installed layouts. A keyboard layout change does not change the Windows display language. See Microsoft’s layout settings guide if you later decide to configure one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
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