Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Dec 29, 2023

Em Dash short cut not working in Word

I am using Windows 11 Pro on my Lenovo P14 laptop, and Windows 11 on my HP Pavillion x360. I often write in Word and insert Em dashes. CTRL+ALT+"-" (shortcut). Both machines have this setting aut...

2016

Doug_Robbins_Word_MVP

MVP

Dec 29, 2023

Lesli Tauber On three of my computers (HP, Lenovo, Toshiba), CTRL+ALT+- (hyphen) is unassigned and an Em Dash is assigned to CTRL+ALT+- (minus on the numeric keypad).

If you select Em Dash from the Common Symbols Category of the Customize Keyboard dialog on the Lenovo, what appears in Current keys Control?

If you have that symbol selected, you can assign a new shortcut key to it as shown above.

datukonyera

Copper Contributor

Dec 10, 2025

Hi Doug, How do I get this customize keyboard window? I am using MS word 2010

Charles_Kenyon
Bronze Contributor
Dec 19, 2025
How do I get this customize keyboard window? I am using MS word 2010
It is hidden on the Customize the Ribbon dialog! You can reach that by right-clicking on any Ribbon tab and choosing it.
For more, see Assigning Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word 2007-2024 (365).
Stefan_Blom
MVP
Dec 18, 2025

How do I get this customize keyboard window? I am using MS word 2010

File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Customize should display the Customize Keyboard dialog box.