As emojis are widely used on mobile devices, Microsoft took notice of the trend and implementing a new feature that lets Windows 10 users access the emoji library with ease.
In fact, you no longer have to visit an emoji database website, copy the character, and paste it to the text are in front of you. The database is already available on your computer, no internet access needed, no additional apps have to be installed.
In this article, you will learn how to input emoji characters to your text and how to use the feature. Be sure that you are running the recent Windows 10 versions.
Table of Contents
How to insert emojis
To show the emoji box, which contains nearly all emojis recognized, press Windows+Period. See the button positions below for more details.
You will see a small pop-up containing Emoji characters, along with Kaomoji and regular Symbols. Each with its own sub-category for quicker access to a certain character.
The Windows+Period shortcut can be used on virtually all programs. Some, like Chromium-based browsers (like Chrome & Edge) may even include the emoji access right on the context menu. Just make sure to hit the right-click button when the cursor is in a text area.
From there, you can just click on the Emoji, Kaomoji, or Symbol to insert it.
How to search for a specific emoji
Scrolling for thousands of emojis is something you definitely want to skip. Therefore, when it comes to finding a specific emoji quickly, use the search feature.
To do that, launch the emoji box, then click the search icon, type the expression or the emoji name you want to insert. It will instantly filter the result based on the given query.
As a footnote, emojis that you see on your Windows PC could appear slightly different on other platforms. Some might look more or less similar, but some may not look alike and to some extent, could change the meaning. Be sure to check it before sending emojis to someone important to you.
Expand Your Emoji Usage with These Tips
Maximize Efficiency with Recent Emojis
The emoji panel in Windows 10 automatically saves your most recently used emojis, making it easier to access your favorites. Next time you open the panel, check the top section for quick access to frequently used symbols. This feature is especially handy for repetitive tasks like creating reports or sending similar messages.
Use Emojis Beyond Text
Did you know emojis can be used creatively in file names or folder labels? While Windows doesn’t allow emojis in every context, you can still add them to personalize folders or files. For example, adding a 🎵 emoji to music folders or 📁 for work documents can make navigation more intuitive.
Troubleshooting Emoji Panel Issues
If the emoji panel doesn’t open, ensure your system language is set to English (United States) and that your Windows version is up-to-date. You can also try restarting the “Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service” via the Services app to resolve potential glitches.
FAQ
Why do some emojis look different on other devices?
Emojis are rendered based on the operating system’s design. While they follow Unicode standards, platforms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have their unique styles. This means an emoji might appear slightly different on iOS compared to Windows.
Can I use emojis in all applications?
Most modern applications support emojis. However, older software or niche programs may not render them correctly. Test in a text field to confirm compatibility.
How do I fix the emoji picker if it stops working?
First, update your Windows system via “Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.” If that doesn’t help, check your region settings under “Time & Language” and ensure they are set to the United States. Restarting your PC or enabling related services like “Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel” might also resolve issues.
Are there alternatives to the built-in emoji picker?
Yes! Third-party tools like Rocket for macOS or browser extensions for Chrome can provide additional features and customization options.
By exploring these tips and solutions, you can make the most of emojis on your Windows device while ensuring smooth functionality across applications!
