1-minute answer
Alt codes almost always fail for one of three reasons: Num Lock is off, you're using the top-row number keys instead of the numpad, or your laptop has no physical numpad.
01 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform — not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Check these first
- Turn on Num Lock — the single most common cause.
- Use the numeric keypad, not the number row above the letters — Alt codes only read numpad input.
- Hold Alt down for the entire code; releasing early cancels it.
Laptop without a numpad
- Press Fn+NumLk to turn part of your keyboard (usually 7,8,9,U,I,O...) into a virtual numpad.
- Or use Character Map (Win+R → charmap) instead — no numpad needed.
Still not working
- Some apps (browser forms, some Electron apps) don't listen for Alt-code input at all — copy the character from a page instead of typing it.
02 FAQ
Why do Alt codes work in Word but not in Chrome?
Alt-code entry is handled by Windows at the OS level, but some applications intercept or ignore the raw keystrokes before Windows can process them. It's an app compatibility issue, not something you're doing wrong.
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