Alt codes are one of the oldest ways to type accent marks on Windows — hold Alt, type a number on the numeric keypad, release. Simple enough. But when they stop working, it’s genuinely baffling because nothing seems to have changed.
Here’s a systematic look at every reason Alt codes fail, and what to do about each one.
1. Num Lock Is Off
This is the most common culprit by a wide margin. Alt codes require Num Lock to be active — without it, the numeric keypad doesn’t register as numbers, and the whole method falls apart.
Fix: Press the Num Lock key and check that its indicator light turns on. Then try your Alt code again.
2. You’re Using a Laptop Without a Dedicated Numeric Keypad
This one trips up a lot of people. Alt codes don’t work on the row of numbers across the top of your keyboard — they only work on a separate numeric keypad, the cluster of keys usually on the right side of a full-size keyboard.
Most laptops don’t have one. If yours doesn’t, Alt codes simply aren’t an option — it’s a hardware limitation, not a settings problem.
Fix: Skip to the alternatives section at the bottom of this post.
3. You’re Not Using the Right Alt Key
On some keyboards and in some applications, only the left Alt key triggers Alt codes. The right Alt key (sometimes labeled AltGr) does something different — on certain keyboard layouts it’s used for special characters of its own, which can conflict with what you’re trying to type.
Fix: Make sure you’re holding the left Alt key specifically when entering your code.
4. The App You’re Using Is Blocking It
Alt codes work at the system level, but some applications intercept Alt key combinations for their own shortcuts. Google Chrome, certain text editors, and some productivity tools are known offenders. You might find that Alt codes work fine in Notepad but fail in your main app.
Fix: Test in Notepad first. If it works there, the issue is app-specific. Try pasting the character in from Notepad, or look for an alternative input method within your app.
5. Your Keyboard Layout Isn’t Set to US English
Alt codes are designed around the standard US English keyboard layout. If Windows is set to a different layout — even one that looks identical — the codes may produce unexpected characters or nothing at all.
Fix: Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region. Under your preferred language, check your keyboard layout and make sure it’s set to US QWERTY.
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6. You’re Using the Wrong Code Format
There are actually two Alt code systems on Windows, and they work differently:
- Alt + number (0–255): Uses the older ASCII character set. Example: Alt + 130 = é
- Alt + 0 + number: Uses the ANSI character set and often produces different results. Example: Alt + 0233 = é
If you’re getting the wrong character, you may be mixing up the two systems.
Fix: For accent marks, the Alt + 0 + three-digit number format (ANSI) is generally more reliable. Try Alt + 0233 for é instead of Alt + 130.
7. A Recent Windows Update Changed Something
Occasionally a Windows update quietly resets keyboard settings or changes how certain input methods behave. If Alt codes worked last week and don’t today, this might be why.
Fix: Check your keyboard layout settings (see #5 above) and re-enable Num Lock. If the problem persists, a quick search for your specific Windows version and “Alt codes not working” often turns up any known issues from recent updates.
Not on Windows? Here’s Where to Go
Alt codes are a Windows-only feature. If you’re on a different platform:
- Mac: Use Option key shortcuts — for example, Option + E then E gives you é. No numeric keypad needed.
- Chromebook: Enable the US International keyboard in Settings, which gives you access to accent combinations without Alt codes.
Both methods are covered in detail in our guide to typing accents on Windows and Mac.
The Simplest Backup: Copy and Paste
If you need an accent right now and nothing is cooperating, the fastest workaround is to copy it directly from a reference page. It works on every platform, every app, every time.
Need the full list of Alt codes for accent marks? See our Windows Alt Codes for Accents: The Complete List.
Stop Googling accent shortcuts every time.