So, if you want to spice up your conversations, articles, posts, or pretty much anything, Windows 11 has an inbuilt emoji solution for you. We will cover the methods to use emojis in Windows 11. Along with that, you will learn about the upgrades available in the new emoji keyboard.
Does Windows 11 Have Emojis?
Yes. Emojis have been a part of Windows OS since Windows 8. Windows 11 improves a lot from its predecessors in the emoji department. The emojis are bigger and better looking than their previous versions. If you compare the last two emoji keyboards, the Windows 10 one had a subpar emoji design. Thick black outlines with less emoji diversity.
Windows 11 improves the design and brings it on par with the emoji designs you use today. Moreover, the emoji categories now include kaomoji, newer symbols, GIFs, and more. The emoji keyboard looks and works much better than its Windows 10 counterpart. So, you get the same experience and a wide selection of emojis as you use on instant messaging apps.
What’s New in the Windows 11 Emoji Keyboard?
These are the following additions made to the Windows 11 emoji keyboard:
Redesigned Emojis
One quick glance at the emojis present on Windows 10 emoji keyboard is enough to tell you the difference. The emoji keyboard on Windows 11 updates its design and makes them more appealing to the eyes. You don’t have to bear the obnoxious bold black outline emojis from the past.
Kaomoji and Symbols
Windows 11 emoji keyboard now offers Japanese-style kaomoji. It also adds a separate symbol section that you can use. So, it is easy to add various currency symbols, math symbols, and general punctuations.
GIFs
Windows 11 emoji keyboard integrates GIFs. They are a surefire means to make conversations interesting. You can use GIFs to shorten the dialogue and convey more without typing much. GIFs are highly relatable, especially to the younger crowd, which makes them a thoughtful addition to the emoji keyboard.
An Improved Search Feature
The new emoji keyboard offers an improved search feature. Emoji, stickers, and other lists can get very long, so having a search feature is useful. You can type the emoji name and narrow down your search list.
Clipboard History
The Clipboard History section is now available inside the emoji keyboard. You can use it to access your last copied items. It is capable of storing up to 25 last copied entries and supports text, HTML, and images.
How to Add Emojis to Windows 11
You can insert emojis in any text editor of your choice. You just need to bring up the emoji keyboard and select the section where you want to insert an emoji. Here are the following ways how you can insert emojis in Windows 11:
1. Using Keyboard and Mouse
The key combination to launch the emoji keyboard remains the same in Windows 11. You can enter emojis in an inbuilt app or an online typing or documentation tool such as Google Docs. The emoji keyboard will work with every app, and site because it is available throughout the operating system. If you want to change fonts in Google Docs, check out detailed guide on adding fonts to Google Docs.
To add emojis in Windows 11, do as follows:
Launch any text editor that you use frequently. Now, position your cursor in the text editor where you want to enter the emoji. Press Win + . to launch the emoji keyboard. Alternatively, you can use the Win + ; key combination. The most recently used section will open up by default. Click on the > icon next to the Emoji label, to open the emoji section. You can also enter the emoji section by clicking on the emoji icon on the top bar. Now, scroll down and find the emoji you want to use. You can also use the search bar to enter the name of the emoji you want to use. Click on the emoji to enter it into the text editor. Click repeatedly if you want to add it more than once.
2. Using the Touch Keyboard
The first method is useful if you are using a Windows PC or laptop with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad. But if you are using a touch screen device in tablet mode, you cannot use the keyboard. For that, you need to use the touch keyboard to input text.
To enter emojis using the touch keyboard, do as follows:
Navigate to the Taskbar area and right-click on it. Then click on Taskbar settings. Scroll down to the System Tray Icons section and find the Touch Keyboard option. Check whether the toggle is active or not. If not, click on it to enable the toggle. Now, a system tray icon for the touch keyboard will appear on the taskbar. Click on it to launch the touch keyboard. Position your cursor in the text editor and then switch to the touch keyboard. Go to the top-left area of the touch keyboard. You will notice an emoji icon next to the settings icon. Tap on it to reveal the emoji keyboard. Then tap on the emoji icon on the top bar to enter the complete emoji section. Tap on your favorite emoji to enter it. If you want to type something, tap on the keyboard area to close the emoji section.
3. Using Keyboard Only
You can even insert emojis without using your trackpad or mouse. Using either of these breaks the writing flow. You will need to move around using the arrow keys to insert emojis.
To insert emojis using the keyboard only, repeat the following steps:
Open any text editor of your choice and position the cursor where you want to input the emojis. Press Win + . to launch the emoji keyboard. It will open the recently used emoji section by default. Use the arrow keys to move in any direction. After reaching the apt emoji, press the enter key to insert the emoji. If you want to go to the complete emoji list, press the Tab key and select the > icon. Then press the enter key. Now, use the arrow keys to navigate the emoji list. Press enter key after you find the emoji you like. Then use Alt + Tab to switch to the text editor to close the emoji keyboard.
Spice Up Your Text and Conversations With Emojis
Windows 11 emoji keyboard eliminates the need to copy emojis from other sources. It offers an elaborate emoji, GIFs, symbols, and kaomoji set, all in one keyboard. You can bring up the emoji keyboard and add more emotions to your posts, emails, and messages. If you want to create custom emojis, you can check our detailed guide to create custom emojis in Windows 10 and 11.
