How to type the copyright symbol on Windows
The copyright symbol on Windows is Alt + 0169: hold Alt, type 0169 on the numeric keypad and release. In Word it is even quicker: press Ctrl + Alt + C, or type (c) and let AutoCorrect convert it to ©.
Quick answer
Hold Alt, type 0169 on the keypad → ©. In Word: Ctrl + Alt + C.
Step by step
Check Num Lock
The keypad must be in number mode, so make sure Num Lock is on.
Hold the left Alt key
Use the Alt key to the left of the space bar.
Type 0169
Enter the digits on the numeric keypad, including the leading zero.
Release Alt
© appears. Follow it with the year and the owner’s name: © 2026 Jane Smith.
Faster ways inside Microsoft Word
Word gives the copyright sign two shortcuts of its own. Ctrl + Alt + C inserts © directly. Typing (c) triggers AutoCorrect, which swaps the three characters for the symbol as soon as you press space. If you genuinely want “(c)”, for example in a numbered list, press Ctrl + Z straight after the swap to undo it. Outlook shares both shortcuts because it uses the same editor. The copyright symbol in Word guide shows how to make the sign smaller or superscript.
US-International and European layouts
If you use the US-International keyboard, AltGr + C types © in any app, and AltGr is the right-hand Alt key. On a standard US layout that combination does nothing, so use the alt code instead.
No numeric keypad?
Laptops without a keypad cannot send Alt + 0169 from the number row. Instead, press Win + ., open the Symbols tab and look for ©, or type 00A9 followed by Alt + X in Word. You can also copy it once from the copyright symbol page and pin it with Win + V.
Make sure it is the right mark
© is for copyright in creative works. Sound recordings use ℗, and brand names use ™ or ®, which have their own alt codes (see registered trademark on Windows). The letter C in a circle from fancy-text generators (Ⓒ) is not a copyright sign at all, so avoid it in legal notices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for the copyright symbol?
Alt + 0169, typed on the numeric keypad while holding Alt. It works in almost every Windows program.
Why does typing (c) turn into ©?
That is Word’s AutoCorrect. Press Ctrl + Z immediately after the change to keep the letters, or remove the entry under File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
Is there a copyright shortcut outside Word?
Not on the standard US layout. Use Alt + 0169, or switch to US-International, where AltGr + C types © everywhere.