Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 23H2 both support the Alt+0151 shortcut to insert an em dash.
Quick Fix Summary
Need it now? On Windows, hold Alt and type 0151 on the numeric keypad. On macOS, press Shift+Option+Hyphen. In Microsoft Word 365 (version 2403), Word will auto-convert two hyphens to an em dash if “Replace text as you type” is enabled in File ▸ Options ▸ Proofing ▸ AutoCorrect Options.
What’s the deal with em dashes?
The em dash (—) is a punctuation mark about the width of the letter M. Think of it as a supercharged comma or colon—it can separate extra information or create a dramatic pause. Windows and macOS give you direct key combos, while apps like Word 365 can auto-convert hyphens into proper dashes (if you’ve turned on the right setting).
How do I get an em dash on Windows?
Use Alt+0151 on the numeric keypad. It’s the fastest method if your keyboard has a numpad.
Windows 10/11 (with a numpad)
- Open your document or app.
- Make sure Num Lock is on (check for the lit LED on most keyboards).
- Hold down the Alt key.
- On the numeric keypad, type 0151.
- Let go of Alt—the em dash (—) should appear.
Windows 10/11 (no physical numpad? No problem.)
- Grab an external keyboard with a numpad, or fire up the on-screen keyboard: press Win+H, hit the ≡ menu, then select On-Screen Keyboard.
- Hold Alt.
- On the on-screen numpad, click or press 0, 1, 5, then 1.
- Release Alt—your em dash is ready.
What’s the macOS shortcut for an em dash?
Press Shift+Option+Hyphen. Works in Big Sur 11.5 and later versions.
macOS (Big Sur 11.5 and later)
- Open any text-friendly app (TextEdit, Word, Notes, etc.).
- Hold Shift+Option together.
- Press the Hyphen (-) key once.
- Release both keys—the em dash (—) appears.
Can I make Word 365 type an em dash for me?
Yes—enable AutoCorrect. Word will swap two hyphens for an em dash automatically.
Microsoft Word 365 (desktop, version 2403)
- Go to File ▸ Options ▸ Proofing ▸ AutoCorrect Options.
- Check Replace text as you type and Automatic dash changes.
- Close the dialog.
- Type two hyphens (--) in your document. Word swaps them for an em dash (—).
None of these methods worked. Now what?
Try the built-in character pickers. They’re your backup plan.
Option 1 – Windows Character Map
- Press Win+. (period) to open the Emoji & symbols panel.
- In the search box, type em dash.
- Click the em dash (—) to drop it into your text.
Option 2 – macOS Character Viewer
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- In the search box, type em dash.
- Double-click the em dash (—) to insert it.
Option 3 – HTML or Markdown
- In web forms or Markdown editors, use the HTML code — or the Markdown — syntax.
How can I stop hunting for the em dash shortcut next time?
Turn on AutoCorrect in Word and pick a reliable keyboard layout.
- In Word 365, enable AutoCorrect (File ▸ Options ▸ Proofing ▸ AutoCorrect Options) so you never have to remember the combo.
- If you travel internationally, switch your keyboard layout to “US” or “US-International”—these keep the Alt+0151 shortcut working.
- Bookmark the emoji/symbol picker (Win+. or Control+Command+Space) as your fallback. One method you can always count on.
