Windows Insider Builds: Em and En Dash Shortcuts

The End of Dash Frustration: New Windows Shortcuts for Em and En Dashes

Are you tired of struggling to type em dashes (—) and en dashes (–) in Windows? For writers, editors, and anyone who values precise typography, these characters are essential. Until now, Windows hasn’t offered a simple, intuitive way to insert them. But that’s changing! Recent Windows Insider builds introduce convenient keyboard shortcuts for typing both em and en dashes, offering a significant boost to productivity. This article details how to enable these shortcuts and explores alternative methods for those who don’t have access to the Insider builds.

Unleashing the Power of Em and En Dashes in Windows

Em dashes and en dashes, though often overlooked, serve distinct purposes in written communication. Understanding their proper usage can elevate the clarity and professionalism of your writing. The new Windows shortcuts promise to make incorporating these dashes far easier.

What are Em and En Dashes, and Why Do They Matter?

• Em Dash (—): The em dash is the longer of the two and is roughly the width of the letter “m”. It’s primarily used to indicate a break in thought, set off parenthetical information, or create emphasis. It can also be used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons.
  • Example: “The dog—a golden retriever named Buddy—loved to chase squirrels.”
• En Dash (–): The en dash, shorter than the em dash but longer than a hyphen, is approximately the width of the letter “n.” Its primary function is to indicate a range (e.g., page numbers, dates), connect related words, or denote a score.
  • Example: “See pages 12–18 for more details.”
  • Example: “The New York–London flight was delayed.”

Using the correct dash improves readability and makes your writing look more polished. But many users are unaware of the difference, and struggle to enter the correct character.

New Keyboard Shortcuts for Em and En Dashes (Insider Builds Only)

The latest Windows Insider builds in the Dev and Beta channels include a game-changing feature: keyboard shortcuts for inserting en and em dashes. These shortcuts bypass the need for ALT codes or other cumbersome methods.

• En Dash: Windows Key + Dash (-)
• Em Dash: Windows Key + Shift + Dash (-)

These shortcuts are a boon for writers who need to use em and en dashes frequently. No more memorizing ALT codes or navigating character maps!

How to Enable the Em and En Dash Shortcuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Currently, these shortcuts are only available in Windows Insider builds and require activation using a utility called ViveTool. Here’s how to get them working:

1. Join the Windows Insider Program:

   • Navigate to Settings -> Windows Update -> Windows Insider Program.
   • Click Get Started and choose either the Dev or Beta channel.
   • Important: Be aware that Insider builds can be unstable and may contain bugs. Only join if you’re comfortable with potential issues.

2. Ensure You Have the Correct Build:

   • The shortcuts require Dev channel build 26200.5761 or higher or Beta channel build 26120.5770 or higher.
   • To check your build number, type “winver” in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

3. Download ViveTool:

   • Download the latest version of ViveTool from a reputable source.

4. Extract ViveTool:

   • Unzip the downloaded file to an easily accessible folder on your C drive (e.g., C:\vive).

5. Open an Elevated Command Prompt:

   • Type “cmd” into the Windows search bar.
   • Right-click the “Command Prompt” result and select “Run as Administrator.”

6. Navigate to the ViveTool Folder:

   • In the command prompt, use the cd command to navigate to the folder where you extracted ViveTool. For example: cd C:\vive

7. Enable the Dash Shortcuts:

   • Type the following command and press Enter: vivetool /enable /id:58422150

8. Reboot Your PC:

   • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After rebooting, you should be able to use the Windows Key + Dash and Windows Key + Shift + Dash shortcuts to create en and em dashes, respectively.

What is ViveTool and How Does it Work?

ViveTool is a command-line utility that allows users to enable hidden or experimental features in Windows that are not yet officially released or enabled by default. Microsoft often uses feature flags to control which features are available to which users, allowing them to A/B test new functionality or gradually roll out features to avoid potential issues. ViveTool bypasses these flags, allowing you to access features that are still under development.

While ViveTool can be useful, it’s important to use it with caution. Enabling unsupported features can potentially lead to system instability or other unexpected issues. Always research the feature you’re enabling and understand the potential risks before using ViveTool.

Alternative Methods for Typing Em and En Dashes

If you’re not running a Windows Insider build, don’t despair! Several alternative methods can be used to insert em and en dashes.

Using ALT Codes (Requires a Numeric Keypad)

This method involves holding down the ALT key and typing a specific number code on the numeric keypad. This method will not work using the number row above the letters on the keyboard.

• En Dash: ALT + 0150
• Em Dash: ALT + 0151

This method is relatively quick once you memorize the codes, but it requires a keyboard with a numeric keypad.

Utilizing Microsoft PowerToys’ Quick Accent Feature

Microsoft PowerToys is a free suite of utilities designed to enhance the Windows experience. One of its features, Quick Accent, allows you to access accented characters and other symbols by holding down a key and pressing the spacebar.

1. Install Microsoft PowerToys: Download and install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or the Microsoft website.

2. Enable Quick Accent: Open PowerToys and navigate to the “Quick Accent” section. Ensure the feature is enabled.

3. Use Quick Accent: When you need to type an en or em dash, hold down the dash key (-) and press the spacebar. A pop-up bar will appear with various symbols. Press the spacebar repeatedly to cycle through the symbols until you reach the desired dash.

This method is convenient if you don’t have a numeric keypad, but it can be slower than other options.

Comparison of Methods

Conclusion: Embracing Efficient Typography in Windows

The introduction of keyboard shortcuts for em and en dashes in Windows Insider builds is a welcome development for anyone who values precise and professional writing. While these shortcuts are not yet available to the general public, they offer a glimpse into a future where typing these essential characters is effortless. In the meantime, alternative methods such as ALT codes and Microsoft PowerToys’ Quick Accent provide viable solutions. Whether you’re a writer, editor, or simply someone who cares about typography, taking the time to learn these methods can significantly improve your productivity and the quality of your written communication.

What do you think about the new Windows shortcuts? Which method do you prefer for typing em and en dashes? Comment below!

Sources & Further Reading:
Original article at go.theregister.com