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Press Windows key + period (.) to open Windows 11’s emoji panel. It is useful for more than emoji: its Symbols section lets you find characters such as an em dash, a copyright symbol, punctuation, and accented letters without memorizing codes. For clipboard history, use a different shortcut: Windows key + V.
What Windows key + period actually opens
The shortcut opens the emoji panel, where you can browse and insert emoji, GIFs, and kaomoji. The panel also has a Symbols section for characters that may not be printed on a standard keyboard. Microsoft Support gives the em dash (—) and copyright symbol (©) as examples.
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Microsoft also lists Windows key + semicolon (;) as an alternative way to open the panel. Once it appears, choose the Symbols section and browse for the character you need. You can then select it to insert it into the active text field.
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Why the Symbols section can be a practical shortcut
When writing or editing, the panel can spare you from searching the web for a special character or trying to remember an unfamiliar key combination. It is especially handy for punctuation and accented characters that are inconvenient to type directly. The shortcut does not change the character itself; it provides a built-in way to locate and insert it.
#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.
Clipboard history is a separate shortcut
Windows key + period opens the emoji and symbols panel; it does not open clipboard history. To see recently copied content, press Windows key + V. If it is your first time using clipboard history, select Turn on in the panel. You can also find the setting at Settings > System > Clipboard.
| Shortcut | What opens | What it helps with | First-use setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows key + period (.) | Emoji panel | Inserting emoji, GIFs, kaomoji, and symbols | No enabling step is specified for opening the panel |
| Windows key + V | Clipboard history | Choosing an earlier copied item to paste | Select Turn on the first time, if prompted |
Using clipboard history without losing track of its limits
Select an item in the Windows key + V panel to paste it. Microsoft documents support for text, HTML, and bitmap formats. Clipboard history holds up to 25 copied entries, with a maximum of 4 MB per item. As new items arrive, older unpinned entries roll off.
Rank #2
- 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*
You can pin useful entries, delete individual items, or clear the history. Microsoft says clipboard history is cleared when the device restarts, except for pinned items. That makes pinning useful for keeping selected entries available, but the history should not be treated as a permanent archive.
Optional: sync clipboard text across devices
To use clipboard history across devices, go to Settings > System > Clipboard and enable clipboard history across your devices. Microsoft’s instructions require the same Microsoft or work account on the devices. The settings support automatic syncing of copied text or manually choosing items to sync; manual sync uploads the selected text to the cloud.
Rank #3
- 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
Sync is optional. If you only need to retrieve copied items on the device you are using, you can leave it off.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
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