How to Use the Alt Button

Last Updated: October 6, 2021

If you've ever looked at your ALT key and wondered what it was for, this guide is for you! We'll show you cool functions and shortcuts to try with this handy key.

Steps

1
Using just the Alt key, see for yourself how it switches between the above Task Bar and your internet browser's current page.
2
Open Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer
- Now press the Alt Key and notice how "File" has been selected.
- You can now use the arrow keys on your keyboard to maneuver through the task menu instead of a mouse. Pressing enter with select the highlighted option.
3
Press the Alt key again, and keyboard control will return to the web page (allowing you to scroll with the arrow keys, for example).
4
Used in combination with other keys, the alt key can type characters not available on the keyboard, or alter the functionality of another key.
- Hold down Alt, type 12 on the Number Pad (make sure number lock is OFF), and let go of Alt. In most text input boxes this will generate the female symbol.
- Alt + 11 generates the male symbol.
- Alt + 13 generates a musical note. Experiment with different numbers and see what you come up with, or use the Character Map (Windows OS) to check what the alt code for a certain character is.
5
Other commonly used combinations that include the alt key: Alt + Tab (shuffles between windows that are on your "Start Bar"), Alt + Left Arrow (goes to the last internet page you visited), Alt + Home Key (Returns to your home page).

Community Q&A

Question

In Internet Explorer 9 and up, what keyboard button do I press to open the menu bar (to see "Tools") so I can change the homepage?

Whu L

Community Answer

You can see every hotkey on the Microsoft page, but for your specific question it's Alt+T.
Question

Which is the shortcut key to move the cursor in the first cell in a row inside the table?

Community Answer

First cell in worksheet: CTRL + HOME First cell in selected range: CTRL + UP
Question

What key with Alt will switch from a PowerPoint to a video in a web browser?

Community Answer

Holding Alt and pressing Tab will let you scroll through your open programs.