Earlier this week, Microsoft released several new Windows 11 preview builds, and with them, the operating system received quite a lot of new features. One of them appeals to those who type a lot at their computers, especially on tenkeyless keyboards. Microsoft is introducing two new keyboard shortcuts, which make it easier to type certain symbols, specifically the em dash and en dash.
Historically, typing an em dash on Windows required pressing Alt + 0151, which is not a convenient method, especially if you are on a laptop. While you can make things easier with stuff like Keyboard Manager in PowerToys, most users would prefer a simpler method to insert these symbols. At long last, Microsoft is addressing this.
Starting with builds 26200.5761 (Windows 11 version 25H2 in the Dev Channel) and 26120.5770 (Beta Channel), you can enter an en dash by pressing Win + Minus and an em dash by pressing Win + Shift + Minus. Here is how Microsoft describes the change in the release notes for the latest builds:
We’re adding a new keyboard shortcut to make it easier for you to insert an En dash (–) or Em dash (—) while typing anywhere in Windows. Going forward, pressing WIN + Minus (-) will insert En dash, and WIN + Shift + Minus (-) will insert Em dash. Note – if you have Magnifier running, WIN + Minus (-) will still zoom out Magnifier, rather than inserting an En dash.
Other changes in the latest Windows 11 Dev and Beta builds include a new cross-device experience for Android users, Click to Do improvements, a set of redesigned battery icons, the ability to pin apps to the Share UI, and more. Additionally, Microsoft released Windows 11 version 25H2 to users in the Release Preview channel, signaling the imminent release for the general public.