If you are wondering how to put the asterisk (*) in Windows, here you have several ways clear to write it in any program without wasting time.
The asterisk looks like a detail nimio, but when it doesn't show up just when you need it, it becomes recalcitrant.
You are going to see keyboard shortcuts, the classic code Alt, the on-screen keyboard, and even a plan B blazing to copy it in one click.
The asterisk in Windows: the basics ⭐.
The symbol * is the asterisk and is widely used in passwords, searches, programming, multiplications and formulas.
In Windows you can type it even if your keyboard is different, because there is always a method alternative that does not fail.
Method 1: with the physical keyboard ⌨️
The most direct way is to use the asterisk if your keyboard includes it.
- If you have a keyboard with numeric keypad, Press the key. * of the numerical block.
- If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, try Shift next to the key where your distribution displays the *.
- If you don't know where it is in your distribution, use the on-screen keyboard to “see” the exact key.
Method 2: with Alt (Alt+42) code 🔢
This trick is a mnemotechnique forceful . when you need the asterisk in any Windows app.
- Activate Num Lock if you have a numeric keypad, because without it sometimes it does not write the symbol.
- Press and hold down the Alt.
- Write 42 on the numeric keypad while you keep pressing Alt.
- Release Alt and will appear *.
Method 3: with the on-screen keyboard 🖥️
The on-screen keyboard is perfect when your physical keyboard is weird, small or the layout doesn't match.
- Open Start and type on-screen keyboard.
- Enter to On-screen keyboard.
- Click Shift inside the on-screen keyboard if the asterisk is in the secondary layer.
- Click on the key that displays * to type it where you have the cursor.
Method 4: with the 🧩 Character Map.
The Character Map is a slightly more ceremonious method, but extremely reliable.
- Press Win + R to open Run.
- Write charmap and press Enter.
- Search for the symbol * in the grid.
- Click Select and then Copy.
- Paste with Ctrl + V in your document, chat or form.
Method 5: copy and paste in one second 📋
When you want it right away and without any twists and turns, this is the best way to go. expeditious.
- Copy this symbol: *.
- Glue it with Ctrl + V where you need it.
Typical problems and quick solutions 🧯
If the keystroke “comes out as something else”, the culprit is almost always the distribution of the keyboard.
- Check the keyboard language in Settings > Time and language > Language and region and set the correct distribution.
If Alt+42 does not work, most commonly you are using the top row numbers and not the numeric keypad.
- Use the block numeric or switch to the Character Map to get out of the jam.
If you are on a laptop without a numeric keypad, sometimes there is a “hidden” numpad with Fn, but it depends on the model.
- Test Fn next to keys marked as small numbers, or use directly the on-screen keyboard.
Summary table of methods 🧾
| Method | How to do it | Does it work without numpad? | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct key | Press * | Yes | Calculations and fast typing |
| Alt Code | Alt + 42 | No (normally) | Apps that do not respect shortcuts |
| On-screen keyboard | Click on * | Yes | Rare or portable keyboards |
| Character map | charmap and copy | Yes | Formulas and long texts |
| Copy and paste | Copy * | Yes | Instant emergencies |
SEO-optimized frequently asked questions (FAQ) ❓
How to set asterisk in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
You can use the *, the code Alt+42, The on-screen keyboard or the Character Map all work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What is the fastest shortcut for typing * in Windows?
The fastest is usually the * and if you don't have it, the most agile plan B is Alt+42.
Why don't I get the asterisk when I press Shift and a number?
Because your keyboard may have another distribution active and that symbol is on another key or on another layer.
How do I know where the asterisk is on my exact keyboard?
The cleanest trick is to open the on-screen keyboard and see which key shows * by pressing Shift.
Does Alt+42 work in Word, Excel, Chrome and forms?
Yes, it usually works in most programs, although it depends on whether you use the numeric keypad and have Num Lock enabled.
Can I put an asterisk if my laptop does not have a numeric keypad?
Yes, use the on-screen keyboardthe Character map, or simply copy and paste *.