How to type n with tilde on Windows
To type n with tilde on Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0241 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to get lowercase ñ. For capital Ñ, use Alt + 0209. You can also use the three-digit codes Alt + 164 (ñ) and Alt + 165 (Ñ).
Quick answer
Hold Alt and type 0241 on the keypad for ñ, or 0209 for Ñ. The older codes Alt + 164 and 165 also work.
Step by step
Turn on Num Lock
Ensure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard so the numeric keypad inputs numbers instead of navigation keys.
Hold down Alt
Press and keep holding the left Alt key on your physical keyboard.
Type 0241 on the keypad
Type 0, 2, 4, and 1 on the numeric keypad for ñ (or 0209 for uppercase Ñ). Do not use the top number row.
Release the Alt key
Let go of Alt. The accented character ñ appears immediately at your cursor.
Alt codes for lowercase ñ and uppercase Ñ
Windows offers two sets of alt codes for the Spanish letter eñe. The modern four-digit codes use the Windows-1252 character table: Alt + 0241 creates lowercase ñ, while Alt + 0209 produces uppercase Ñ. The older three-digit codes from MS-DOS code page 437 are also supported: Alt + 164 yields ñ and Alt + 165 yields Ñ. Both sets output the exact same Unicode code points (U+00F1 and U+00D1). Our complete alt codes for accents guide lists codes for all accented vowels and consonants.
The US International dead-key shortcut
If you write in Spanish or Portuguese regularly, switching to the US International keyboard layout is far faster than memorizing number codes. Under this layout, the tilde key (~) acts as a dead key. Press Shift + ` (the tilde key next to 1), release it, and then press n to type ñ. To type uppercase Ñ, press Shift + ~ followed by Shift + N. This dead-key method works seamlessly across all Windows applications without requiring a numeric keypad.
Microsoft Word shortcuts and laptop solutions
Laptops without a numeric keypad cannot execute alt codes using the top number row. In Microsoft Word and Outlook, you can use Word's native accent shortcut: press Ctrl + Shift + ~ (tilde), release both keys, and press n (or Shift + N). Alternatively, type 00F1 and press Alt + X. Across web browsers, notepad, or chat apps, press Win + . to open the Windows emoji and symbol panel, navigate to the Latin letters category, or search in the Windows Character Map.
Linguistic significance and cross-platform tips
In the Spanish language, ñ is not merely an accented n; it is officially recognized as an independent 27th letter of the alphabet with its own distinct sound (palatal nasal /ɲ/). Omitting the tilde changes word meanings dramatically—for instance, año (year) becomes ano (anus). If your alt codes fail, consult our alt codes troubleshooting guide. If you work on Mac computers as well, see our guide on typing n with tilde on Mac. Find detailed encodings on our n with tilde symbol page and browse all variants in the n with accent collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Windows alt code for ñ and Ñ?
Hold Alt and type 0241 on the numeric keypad for lowercase ñ, or Alt + 0209 for capital Ñ. The three-digit codes Alt + 164 and 165 also work.
How do I type ñ on a Windows laptop without a keypad?
In Microsoft Word, press Ctrl + Shift + ~ then tap n. Across Windows, press Win + . to pick ñ from the symbol panel, or install the US International keyboard.
How does the US International keyboard type ñ?
Press Shift + ~ (tilde) to prime the dead key, then tap n. The combination instantly becomes ñ.