The quickest way to type an umlaut on Windows 10 is with an Alt code. Hold Alt and type the number on the numeric keypad, then release Alt: Alt + 0228 gives ä, Alt + 0246 gives ö, and Alt + 0252 gives ü. If you type umlauts often, add the US-International keyboard, then type a quotation mark (“) followed by the letter. In Microsoft Word, press Ctrl + Shift + ; (semicolon), then the letter.
Here’s a full list of umlaut codes and every method, including ones that work on laptops without a number pad.
Umlaut Alt codes
| Character | Alt code | Character | Alt code |
|---|---|---|---|
| ä | Alt + 0228 | Ä | Alt + 0196 |
| ö | Alt + 0246 | Ö | Alt + 0214 |
| ü | Alt + 0252 | Ü | Alt + 0220 |
| ë | Alt + 0235 | Ë | Alt + 0203 |
| ï | Alt + 0239 | Ï | Alt + 0207 |
| ÿ | Alt + 0255 | ß (German sharp s) | Alt + 0223 |
Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad, not the number row. On a laptop without a keypad, use one of the methods below.
Method 1: US-International keyboard
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Click your language (for example, English (United States)) > Options > Add a keyboard, and choose United States-International.
- Switch keyboards with Windows + Spacebar.
- Type “ (Shift + apostrophe), then a vowel. For example, ” then u gives ü.
To type a normal quotation mark with this keyboard, press “ then Spacebar. Right Alt + s types ß.
Method 2: Touch keyboard
- Right-click the taskbar and turn on Show touch keyboard button.
- Click the keyboard icon near the clock.
- Press and hold a letter, like u, and choose ü from the pop-up.
Method 3: Microsoft Word and Outlook shortcut
Press Ctrl + Shift + ; (the semicolon key, which types a colon with Shift), release, then type the vowel. Use a capital vowel for Ä, Ö, or Ü. You can also use Insert > Symbol.
Method 4: Emoji panel or Character Map
- Press Windows + . (period), click the Ω symbols tab, open Latin symbols, and click the letter.
- Or search for Character Map in the Start menu, select a letter, and click Copy.
Method 5: Add German as a keyboard
If you write in German often, add the German keyboard. It has dedicated Ä, Ö, Ü, and ß keys, but some other keys move (for example, Y and Z swap places).
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t Alt codes work on my laptop?
Most laptops don’t have a numeric keypad. Some let you turn on an embedded keypad with Fn + NumLk. Otherwise, use the US-International keyboard or the touch keyboard.
Can I type umlauts in Google Docs?
Yes. Alt codes and the US-International keyboard work, or use Insert > Special characters.
How do I type an umlaut on a Mac?
Press Option + U, then the vowel, or press and hold the vowel key.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.