Adding symbols in the new Outlook

Question

I'm forcing myself to use the new Outlook because I will have to switch at some point. So far I hate it. Useful features now require some sort of work around (my flagged emails pane has disappeared again).

Regarding symbols: hold the Windows button and hit V. The emoji window will pop up. There is a symbol option second from last in the ribbon.

I am an adult using Outlook in a professional setting. I have no use for emojis or stickers. I do use symbols frequently though, so of course Microsoft makes in difficult to do that.

Answer 1

@Eduardo Blanco said

I'm forcing myself to use the new Outlook because I will have to switch at some point.

Why? Classic Outlook will be supported until at least 2029. There is no need to switch to New Outlook any time soon unless you have some other reasons.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5554339/when-will-classic-outlook-end

Regarding symbols: hold the Windows button and hit V. The emoji window will pop up.

If you are trying to get to the Windows Symbols panel, it's Win + . (period) and then click on the Omega to get to the Symbols pallet.

You can also enter symbols directly by using the numeric keypad.

"Use keyboard shortcuts to add accent marks and special characters for new Outlook" in
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/keyboard-shortcuts-for-outlook-3cdeb221-7ae5-4c1d-8c1d-9e63216c1efd

Answer 2

Hi @Eduardo Blanco

I understand how frustrating this is, especially if symbols are part of your everyday, professional workflow. Right now, using the classic Windows Character Map can help as a workaround as it is designed for symbols and special characters and does not include emojis, which can make it a cleaner option if you only need symbols.

Here are a few steps you can try: 

• Open Windows > find Windows Tools or you can search for Character Map directly.
• 
• Once opened, right‑click it on the taskbar and choose Pin to taskbar 
• 
• This allows access to symbols when needed, regardless of which Outlook version you’re using. 
• 

If quick symbol access is something you rely on regularly on Outlook, as a Microsoft user I highly suggest you submitting your idea via the Ideas · Community platform. This allows others to see and upvote your suggestion and helps product development team better understand user needs and prioritize improvements. Feedback is the best way to push for a more integrated, long‑term improvement in the new Outlook experience, the more voices they hear, the greater the chance we’ll see enhancements in future updates.     

Please note that as forum moderator, I am not directly involved in product design decisions and do not have access to the development roadmap. However, I want to assure you that your feedback has been acknowledged and is truly valued.  

I apologize for the inconvenience this have caused you and thank you for your understanding and feedback.     

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Answer 3

In new Outlook on Windows, symbols can be inserted using the Windows emoji/symbol picker:

1. Place the cursor where the symbol is needed in the message.
2. Press Windows key + . (period) to open the Windows emoji picker.
3. Use the category icons to switch from emojis to symbols and select the required symbol.
4. Close the picker when finished.

Alternatively, for common symbols (like ©, ™, ®) in classic Outlook message editors:

1. Use Insert > Symbol on the ribbon, then choose the symbol or More Symbols.
2. Or use keyboard shortcuts, for example:
   • ©: Alt+0169
   • ™: Ctrl+Alt+T
   • ®: Ctrl+Alt+R

AutoCorrect can also convert (c), (t), and (r) into the corresponding symbols in HTML or Rich Text messages.

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References:

• Add flair to your email with emojis
• Insert a symbol
• Insert copyright and trademark symbols