10 Easy Ways to Get and Use Emojis on Windows 10 and 11

Spice up your chats with 10 easy ways to get and use emojis on Windows 10 and 11! TechRefly.com guides you through shortcuts, touch keyboards, and more to add fun to emails, documents, and posts in 2025.

Why Use Emojis on Windows?

Emojis add personality to digital communication, making emails, chats, and documents more expressive. Windows 10 and 11 include built-in emoji tools, allowing users to insert smileys, animals, or symbols without third-party apps, enhancing clarity across languages.

Benefits of Emojis

Emojis convey emotions quickly, saving time in conversations. They’re free, pre-installed, and work across apps like Microsoft Word, Teams, and social media. Windows 11’s modern, colorful emojis and GIFs make interactions engaging, while Windows 10 offers reliable basics. Check More Here:- Is Windows 10 Still Supported? Key Dates and Options Explained

Where to Use Emojis

Use emojis in emails, social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), Word documents, or even file names for a creative touch. They’re ideal for casual chats, professional emails (sparingly), or adding flair to presentations, compatible with most text fields.

Tools You Need

All methods use native Windows features: the emoji panel (Win + .), touch keyboard, or on-screen keyboard. A mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen suffices. For custom emojis, free apps like Moji Maker work. No internet is required for built-in tools.

Getting Started

Ensure your Windows 10 or 11 is updated (Settings > Windows Update) for the latest emojis. Position your cursor in a text field (e.g., Notepad, browser) before starting. Practice shortcuts to insert emojis in seconds, boosting your workflow.

Emoji Access Methods Overview Table

Method	Tool Used	Time to Learn	Best For
Emoji Panel Shortcut	Win + . / ;	1 min	Quick text insertion
Touch Keyboard	Taskbar icon	2 min	Touchscreen users
On-Screen Keyboard	OSK app	2 min	No physical keyboard
Alt Codes	Numeric keypad	5 min	Specific symbols
Copy-Paste from Web	Browser	1 min	Unique emojis
Moji Maker App	Microsoft Store	10 min	Custom emojis
Angel Emoji Maker	Web app	10 min	Online custom designs
Language Keyboard Switch	Win + Space	3 min	Multilingual emojis
Taskbar Emoji Icon (Win 11)	System tray	1 min	Windows 11 instant access
App-Specific Emojis	Google Docs, Teams	2 min	App-integrated emojis

10 Easy Ways to Get and Use Emojis on Windows 10 and 11

1. Use the Emoji Panel Shortcut

Steps: Open any text field (e.g., Word, Twitter). Press Win + . (period) or Win + ; (semicolon). The emoji panel opens. Browse categories (smileys, animals) or type (e.g., “heart”) to search. Click an emoji to insert.
Benefits: Fastest method; works in all apps. Windows 11 includes GIFs and kaomoji. Takes 1–2 seconds.
Applications: Add 😊 to emails or 🐾 to social posts. Practice the shortcut (1 min) for instant access.
Tip: Use arrow keys and Enter to navigate without a mouse.

2. Enable the Touch Keyboard

Steps: Right-click the taskbar > select Show touch keyboard button. A keyboard icon appears in the system tray. Click it, then select the smiley icon (top-left). Choose an emoji to insert.
Benefits: Ideal for touchscreen devices or laptops. Supports emojis, GIFs, and symbols. Takes 2 min to set up.
Applications: Use 🎉 in Teams chats or 📝 in Notepad. Enable once for permanent access.
Tip: Pin the touch keyboard icon for quick use.

3. Access the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK)

Steps: Search On-Screen Keyboard in the Start menu > open the app. Click the smiley icon (top-left) to view emojis. Select an emoji to insert in your active text field.
Benefits: Perfect for users without physical keyboards or with accessibility needs. Free and built-in.
Applications: Add 🌟 to PowerPoint or 💬 to forums. Takes 2 min to learn.
Tip: Resize the OSK window for better visibility.

4. Insert Emojis with Alt Codes

Steps: In a text field, hold Alt and type a four-digit code (e.g., 0169 for ©) on the numeric keypad (not top-row numbers). Release Alt to insert. Find codes online (e.g., copyright = 0169).
Benefits: Precise for symbols (e.g., ™, €) not in the emoji panel. No internet needed.
Applications: Use © in legal documents or ± in math notes. Learn 5–10 codes in 5 min.
Tip: Save a code list for quick reference.

5. Copy and Paste from Websites

Steps: Visit sites like GetEmoji.com or Emojipedia.org. Browse or search for emojis (e.g., 🦁). Click to copy, then paste (Ctrl + V) into your text field.
Benefits: Access emojis not in Windows’ panel (e.g., rare flags). Free and quick (1 min).
Applications: Add 🏴‍☠️ to pirate-themed posts or 🌌 to blogs. Works offline if copied earlier.
Tip: Bookmark GetEmoji.com for frequent use.

6. Create Custom Emojis with Moji Maker

Steps: Download Moji Maker from Microsoft Store (free). Open the app, select Create New. Choose components (eyes, hats, mouths). Save as PNG. Paste into apps via Snipping Tool or upload (e.g., Slack).
Benefits: Design unique emojis for branding or fun. Takes 10 min to master.
Applications: Use custom 😺 in Teams or forums. Share PNGs with friends.
Tip: Save designs in a dedicated folder.

7. Use Angel Emoji Maker Online

Steps: Open Angel Emoji Maker in a browser. Click Start Design. Select shapes, eyes, and accessories. Save as PNG. Copy-paste into text fields or upload to apps.
Benefits: No download needed; creates custom emojis in minutes. Free and intuitive.
Applications: Add personalized 😇 to emails or Discord. Takes 10 min to design.
Tip: Test designs in Notepad to ensure compatibility.

8. Switch Language Keyboards for Emojis

Steps: Press Win + Space to cycle through installed keyboards. Add a language (Settings > Time & Language > Language > Add a language, e.g., Japanese). Open the emoji panel (Win + .) to search in that language.
Benefits: Access language-specific emojis (e.g., Japanese kaomoji like ^_^). Takes 3 min to set up.
Applications: Use こんにちは😸 in multilingual chats. Ideal for bilingual users.
Tip: Remove unused keyboards to simplify switching.

9. Use Windows 11’s Taskbar Emoji Icon

Steps: On Windows 11, ensure the emoji panel is enabled (Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons > Emojis and more > Always). Click the emoji icon in the system tray. Select an emoji to insert.
Benefits: Instant access without shortcuts; includes GIFs. Exclusive to Windows 11. Takes 1 min.
Applications: Add 🎈 to Word or 😎 to tweets. Enable once for permanent use.
Tip: Disable if the taskbar feels cluttered.

10. Leverage App-Specific Emoji Tools

Steps: In apps like Google Docs (Insert > Emoji), Microsoft Teams (emoji button), or Gmail (emoji menu), select emojis directly. Alternatively, use the emoji panel (Win + .) within these apps.
Benefits: App-integrated emojis may offer unique designs. Works seamlessly in specific platforms. Takes 2 min.
Applications: Use 🥳 in Teams or 🌍 in Google Docs. Ideal for app-heavy users.
Tip: Check app documentation for exclusive emojis.

Emoji Types Table

Type	Examples	Best Use Case	Access Method
Smileys	😊 😢 😎	Expressing emotions	Emoji panel, touch keyboard
Animals	🐶 🦁 🐝	Pet posts, nature blogs	Emoji panel, copy-paste
Food	🍕 🍎 🍰	Recipes, foodie chats	Emoji panel, app-specific
Symbols	© ™ €	Legal docs, math notes	Alt codes, emoji panel
Kaomoji	^_^ (ツ)	Casual chats, Asian-style	Emoji panel (Win 11)
GIFs	Dancing cat, thumbs up	Fun replies, social media	Emoji panel (Win 11)
Custom Emojis	Personalized 😺	Branding, unique chats	Moji Maker, Angel Emoji

Tips for Using Emojis Effectively

Update Windows: Check Settings > Windows Update for new emojis (e.g., Windows 11’s Fluent designs).
Practice Shortcuts: Master Win + . for instant access (1 min daily).
Use Sparingly: Avoid overusing emojis in professional emails to maintain clarity.
Test Compatibility: Some emojis appear black-and-white in Word; test in browsers for color.
Organize Customs: Save custom emojis in a folder for quick reuse.

Conclusion

Master these 10 easy ways to get and use emojis on Windows 10 and 11 to add flair to your digital life. From shortcuts to custom designs, TechRefly.com equips you for expressive chats in 2025. Share your emoji hacks on Twitter with #TechRefly!