How to Type Does Not Equal ((≠)) Sign on Keyboard in Windows 11/10 [Step-by-step Guide]

The "does not equal" sign (≠) is a crucial symbol in mathematics, programming, and various technical fields. While most keyboards don’t have a dedicated key for this symbol, there are several straightforward methods to type it on Windows 11 and Windows 10. In this guide, we will break down different ways to enter the "does not equal" sign into your documents, emails, and other text-based applications. Whether you are using a standard keyboard, a built-in character map, or even code, we’ll cover it all.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1.1 Alt Code Method

One of the easiest ways to type special characters in Windows is by using Alt codes. This method works if you have a standard keyboard with a numeric keypad.

Steps:

1. Ensure Num Lock is On: Before using the Alt code, make sure your Num Lock is enabled. This allows you to use the numeric keypad.

2. Use the Alt Code: To type the "does not equal" sign:

   • Press and hold the Alt key.
   • While holding the Alt key, type 8800 on the numeric keypad.
   • Release the Alt key.

This should insert the "does not equal" symbol (≠) wherever your cursor is positioned.

1.2 Using Character Map

If you don’t have a numeric keypad or prefer another method, you can use the Character Map utility in Windows.

Steps:

1. Open Character Map:

   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type charmap and hit Enter.

2. Find the Symbol:

   • In the Character Map, scroll through the list or check the box "Advanced View."
   • Type "not equal" in the search box to find the "does not equal" symbol quickly.

3. Copy the Symbol:

   • Click on the "does not equal" symbol (≠) to highlight it.
   • Press the "Select" button and then click on "Copy."

4. Paste the Symbol:

   • Return to your document and paste it (Ctrl + V) where you need the symbol.

1.3 Using Word Processor Special Character Insertion

If you’re using Microsoft Word or similar word processing software, you have additional ways to insert special characters.

Steps in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the Insert Tab:

   • Open your document in Word.
   • Click on the "Insert" tab in the ribbon at the top.

2. Choose Symbol:

   • Click on "Symbol," located at the far right of the toolbar.
   • Select "More Symbols."

3. Find the Symbol:

   • Look for the "does not equal" symbol in the list. It may be easier to use the drop-down menu to find "Mathematical Operators."

4. Insert and Close:

   • Once you locate it, click on it and then click "Insert."
   • Close the Symbol dialog box.

Method 2: Using Unicode

Unicode offers a standardized way to represent characters in computing consistently. Each character, including the "does not equal" sign, has a unique code point which you can use to enter symbols.

2.1 Using Unicode in Windows Applications

For Windows applications that support Unicode, you can enter the "does not equal" sign using its Unicode.

Steps:

1. Type the Unicode Value:

   • In your text application, type 2260 (the Unicode for "does not equal").

2. Convert to Special Character:

   • Immediately after typing, press Alt + X.
   • This will convert the code into the "does not equal" symbol (≠).

Method 3: Copy and Paste

In many situations, the simplest solution is to copy and paste the "does not equal" sign from another source.

Steps:

1. Find the Symbol Online:

   • Go to a web search engine and look for "does not equal sign."
   • You can copy it from websites that provide math symbols or Wikipedia.

2. Copy the Symbol:

   • Highlight the "does not equal" sign (≠) and right-click to select "Copy" or press Ctrl + C.

3. Paste the Symbol:

   • Navigate to your document and paste it using Ctrl + V.

Method 4: Using Microsoft Excel

If you’re working in Microsoft Excel, inserting the "does not equal" sign is also quite simple through formula syntax.

Steps:

1. Open Excel:

   • Start by launching Excel and opening the relevant spreadsheet.

2. Enter the Formula:

   • In a cell, you can type the "does not equal" sign as part of a formula.
   • The syntax for "does not equal" in Excel formulas is represented as “.

3. Display the Symbol:

   • If you need to display the actual symbol, you can insert it into a cell using one of the previous methods (Character Map or Alt Code).

Method 5: Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

If you find yourself needing to use the "does not equal" sign frequently, creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Word or other text editors can save time.

Steps in Microsoft Word:

1. Open Word Options:

   • Click on "File" and select "Options."
   • Navigate to "Customize Ribbon."

2. Select Customize:

   • Click on the "Customize" button next to "Keyboard shortcuts."

3. Find the Symbol:

   • In the "Categories" section, select "Symbols."
   • In the "Commands" section, find and select the "does not equal" sign.

4. Create a Shortcut:

   • Click in the “Press new shortcut key” box and type your desired keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + N).
   • Click on "Assign" and then "Close."

Now you can use your new custom shortcut to insert the "does not equal" sign rapidly.

Conclusion

Knowing how to type the "does not equal" sign (≠) on Windows 11 and Windows 10 is essential for anyone dealing with mathematical formulas or programming. The methods outlined above provide various ways to insert this important symbol, whether through keyboard shortcuts, character maps, Unicode, or Microsoft applications.

In summary, you can:

• Use Alt Codes for a quick insertion if you have a numeric keypad.
• Open Character Map to select and copy the symbol into your document.
• Utilize Word’s Symbol Insertion feature for a straightforward approach.
• Apply Unicode conversions for applications that support it.
• Copy the symbol from online resources if needed.
• Create custom keyboard shortcuts to enhance your workflow in Word.

By mastering these methods, you can ensure that you can always include the "does not equal" symbol in your typing, no matter the situation. So next time you encounter a need for this mathematical indicator, refer back to this guide to execute the task smoothly and efficiently.