How to Open and Use the Emoji Panel in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Emojis have become an integral part of everyday communication, and Windows 10 and Windows 11 make accessing them effortless with a built-in emoji panel. This feature allows you to insert emojis with just a click, right from the operating system. In this article, we’ll show you how to open and use the emoji panel in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Open the Emoji Panel in Windows 10

On Windows 10, accessing emojis is quick with a simple keyboard shortcut:

• Press Win + . (period) or Win + ; (semicolon).

The panel will appear at the bottom of your screen, allowing you to pick from a variety of emojis, symbols, and even GIFs. Windows 10 also added a search feature within the emoji panel, making it easier to find specific emojis faster.

How to Open the Emoji Panel in Windows 11

In Windows 11, the emoji panel is accessed similarly to Windows 10, using the same shortcut:

• Press Win + . or Win + ;

However, the emoji panel in Windows 11 has been updated with a modern look that matches the system’s design aesthetic. In addition to emojis and symbols, it now includes a section for GIFs, as well as options to add smileys, stickers, and even text phrases for an extra expressive touch in messages.

Additional Features of the Emoji Panel

The emoji panel in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offers several extra features:

• Search: You can type in an English keyword (like "smile") to quickly find the emoji you’re looking for.
• Recent Emojis: The panel remembers your recently used emojis, making them easily accessible.
• Symbols and Special Characters: In addition to emojis, you can find currency symbols, mathematical signs, and other useful characters.