How to find and press the star symbol on a laptop keyboard

The asterisk or asterisk symbol is often needed when working with software, entering search queries, or using the command line. Many users encounter a problem when on a standard compact laptop keyboard this symbol does not have a separate dedicated button. Unlike full-size computer keyboards, mobile device manufacturers often save space by moving characters into hidden combinations.

For successful entry asterisk symbol you need to understand the layout of your keyboards. Depending on model Asus, Lenovo or Acer, location may vary. Sometimes you need to use function keys, sometimes you need to use a number pad, which is activated by software. Let's look at all the possible ways to achieve the goal.

Basic method on main keyboard

The most common way to enter an asterisk on most laptops is to use the main number line. On standard layout US or RU The asterisk symbol is in the top row of numbers. However, the physical button may be labeled differently, causing confusion for newbies.

You need to find a number key 8. It is on it that, as a rule, the secondary symbol in the form of an asterisk is placed. To get it, you need to hold down the modifier key Shift and, without releasing it, press the number 8. This is a universal rule for most operating systems, including Windows and macOS.

If you press Shift + 8, and a bracket or other symbol appears on the screen, you may have an alternative layout enabled. Check the current input language. In Russian layout Shift + 8 also gives an asterisk, but in some specific national layouts (for example, Kazakh or Ukrainian with certain settings) the behavior may change. Make sure the correct language is active.

Sometimes the problem lies in the software. If the keys are pressed but the character does not appear, check the keyboard settings on the system. The Virtual Keyboard mode may be enabled, which intercepts your keystrokes. Try calling the standard on-screen keyboard via Start → Accessibility → On-screen keyboard and see exactly where you need to click with the mouse.

Using the number pad (NumLock)

Many laptops with a screen diagonal of 15 inches and above have a full-fledged numeric keypad. NumPad right. In this case, entering an asterisk becomes intuitive, since the key with asterisk placed in a separate row. However, for it to work, you must activate the digital input mode.

Find the key NumLock. On many models it is combined with a button Insert or Scroll Lock. Press it once so that the corresponding indicator on the laptop case lights up. Now the key labeled * (usually this is a button 8 in the number pad) will work as an asterisk instead of the number eight.

If the indicator does not light up, try the function key combination Fn. Clamp Fn and press NumLock. This switches the digital pad to the mode for entering numbers and special characters. After activation, pressing the key * in the number pad will instantly enter the required character into the text field.

• 🔍 Find the indicator NumLock on the device body
• 🔑 Use a combination Fn + NumLock, if there is no separate button
• 💡 Make sure the cursor is in the desired input field before clicking

It is important to note that in NumPad mode the keys U, I, O, J, K, L numbers are often duplicated 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3. The asterisk is usually located in the top row of this block, above the number 9. This allows you to quickly enter complex mathematical expressions or codes.

⚠️ Attention: If you forgot to turn off the mode NumLock, then when you try to print text, numbers and symbols will be entered instead of letters. This often leads to accidental typos in documents.

Working with compact mode (No Numpad)

On ultrabooks and laptops with a diagonal of 13-14 inches, there is no physical number pad. Manufacturers solve this problem by duplicating numbers and symbols on letter keys. In this case, entering an asterisk requires knowledge of the hidden combination. This can be inconvenient, but is necessary for working with data.

On such models, the number pad is often “hidden” on the keys U, I, O, J, K, L. The asterisk is usually found on the key J, K or L, depending on the manufacturer. Look for the small inscription * blue or gray on the key itself. Often it is combined with a number 7 or 8.

To activate this hidden mode, you must hold down the key Fn and press the corresponding letter. For example, on some models HP it's a combination Fn + J. On laptops Dell may be required Fn + U. The exact combination depends on the specific revision of the motherboard and keyboard firmware.

If you don't see the star markings on the keys, try pressing Fn + NumLock (if there is such a button) or Fn + F11/F12. This will switch the keyboard to numpad emulation mode. After this, the letter keys will begin to produce numbers and signs, including the asterisk.

• 🔎 Look for the color-coded star markings on the letter keys
• ⌨️ Use Fn as the main mode switch
• 📝 Check the instructions for your laptop model for exact combinations

Virtual keyboard as an alternative

If the physical keyboard is damaged or you simply cannot find the desired combination, the virtual keyboard built into the operating system will come to the rescue. This is a reliable method that works regardless of hardware failures of the buttons. This is especially useful if you work with a touchscreen or touchpad.

To call the virtual keyboard in Windows 10/11 go to Settings → Devices → Input and turn on the "Show virtual keyboard button" switch. After this, a keyboard icon will appear on the taskbar. Click on it and a full layout will appear on the screen.

On the virtual keyboard, the asterisk symbol is always in its usual place - above the number 8. Just click on it with your mouse or finger. This is guaranteed to enter a character, since the program emulates pressing Shift + 8 automatically, without requiring the user to know the combinations.

The virtual keyboard is also useful if you have the Touch Keyboard mode enabled, which automatically hides the standard panel. In this case, the symbols are accessed through additional tab bars on the screen. The asterisk may be in the special characters tab, indicated by the `123` or `!#` icon.

⚠️ Attention: The virtual keyboard may work slower than the physical one. Do not use it for typing large amounts of text unless it is critical.

Specific settings for Mac and Linux

Laptop owners Apple MacBook encounter a different layout logic. On Mac keyboards, the asterisk symbol is also on the key 8, but to enter it you need to hold down Shift. However, on some international layouts (such as US-Extended), the behavior may differ, requiring the use of the Option (Alt).

In the operating system Linux The layout can be customized by the user individually. Standard layout us uses Shift + 8. If you are using a layout other than the standard one, the symbol may move. Check your input settings Control Panel → Keyboard and Mouse or via terminal.

Sometimes Mac users confuse the key Option With Alt. Combined with numbers 8 it may display a symbol other than an asterisk, such as a degree or dollar sign. To get exactly asterisk, make sure you are using the correct key Shift, not a modifier Option.

There is a utility for Linux systems xev, which allows you to track the code of the key pressed. This will help you understand exactly what command your laptop sends when you press a number button 8. This is useful for setting up your own macros or fixing driver bugs.

• 🍏 On MacBook use Shift + 8 for sprocket
• 🐧B Linux check your current layout through system settings
• ⚙️ Use the utility xev for diagnostics of clicks in Linux

What to do if the keyboard stops responding completely?

If no characters are entered, the driver may have crashed. Try restarting your laptop. If this does not help, go to Device Manager, find "Keyboards", remove the device and restart the system to automatically reinstall the driver.

Using ASCII and Alt codes

If standard methods don't work, you can use ASCII codes. This is a universal way to enter characters by holding a key Alt and entering a numeric code. For an asterisk the code is 42. This method even works on a broken keyboard if you have a number pad or are using a virtual keyboard.

Hold down the key Alt on the left side of the keyboard. Without releasing it, type the sequence on the number pad (NumPad) 4 and 2. Release the key Alt. The symbol will appear in the text field *. It is important that the input occurs on the number pad, and not on the top row of numbers above the letters.

This method is especially useful in older programs or on the command line where standard keyboard shortcuts may not work. It also works in some code editors where you need to enter special characters without switching layouts. Make sure NumLock turned on before entering the code.

There are also alternative codes for the asterisk, for example, Alt + 10 (on some systems) or using a Unicode character. However, the code 42 is the most reliable and universal for Windows systems. For macOS, the analogue is to use the "Insert Symbol" menu via Cmd + Ctrl + Space.

Input method	Keyboard shortcut	Requirements
Main	Shift + 8	Any layout
NumPad	* (on number pad)	Active NumLock
Alt code	Alt + 42	Numpad (NumPad)
Mac	Shift + 8	US/UK layout

⚠️ Attention: Code Alt + 42 will not work if you enter numbers on the top row of the keyboard above the letters. Be sure to use NumPad.

Solving problems with drivers and settings

Sometimes the problem is not which button to press, but how the system interprets the press. If the combination Shift + 8 does not display an asterisk, but another character; the layout file or keyboard driver may be damaged. In this case, a deep check of the system is required.

Go to Device Manager (via Win + X or search). Find the "Keyboards" section. If you see a yellow exclamation mark next to the device, it means the driver is not working correctly. Right-click and select "Update Driver" or "Uninstall Device" (it will reinstall after reboot).

Also check your regional settings. Go to Control Panel → Clock, Language and Region → Language. Make sure the layout that matches your region is active. Sometimes automatically switching to the US-International layout changes the behavior of the keys. Remove unnecessary languages, leaving only the necessary ones.

In rare cases, resetting the BIOS/UEFI settings helps. If you recently changed the hardware configuration or updated the firmware, the keyboard settings may have been lost. Enter BIOS upon boot (usually F2 or Del), find the item "Load Optimized Defaults" and save the changes. This will return the input settings to factory settings.

• 🛠️ Update your keyboard drivers in Device Manager
• 🌍 Check the active language layout in the system
• ⚙️ Reset BIOS settings to factory settings in case of critical failures

By following these instructions, you can find a way to enter an asterisk on any laptop, regardless of its model and age. The main thing is not to panic at the first unsuccessful click and consistently check each method. From a simple keyboard shortcut to complex system settings, there is always a solution.

Remember that The asterisk character is a key element when working with the command line and regular expressions, so the ability to quickly enter it saves time and nerves. Regular practice of using different methods will help you remember the most convenient method for your device.

If none of the described methods helped, the problem may be physical - worn contacts or damage to the keyboard cable. In this case, you should contact a service center to diagnose or replace the input module. Do not try to disassemble the laptop yourself if you do not have experience, so as not to aggravate the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does pressing Shift+8 give a different letter?

This happens if you have enabled a layout other than the standard one (for example, Kazakh or Ukrainian with special settings). Switch the layout to Russian or English standard via Alt + Shift or Win + Space.

How to enable star on a laptop without NumPad?

Use the key Fn combined with a letter that has an asterisk marking (often this J or L), or enable the virtual keyboard on the system.

The asterisk is needed for the password, but is not entered.

In password fields, the asterisk is often replaced automatically with dots or asterisks. If you need to enter an asterisk character in your password, make sure you are using the correct layout. Sometimes passwords are case sensitive and special characters.

Is it possible to remap the star key?

Yes, using third-party programs such as AutoHotKey or PowerToys, you can assign any key to the star symbol. This is convenient for frequent use in specific tasks.

Why doesn't Alt+42 work?

Combination Alt + 42 requires an active numeric keypad NumPad. If you have a compact laptop without a separate number pad, this method will not work. Use the virtual keyboard or Shift + 8.