How to put a comma on a laptop: instructions for all layouts and OS

The comma is one of the most common punctuation marks, but typing it on a laptop can sometimes be difficult. Especially if you switched from a regular keyboard to a compact laptop keyboard, changed the layout, or are working on an unfamiliar operating system. In this article we will look at all possible ways put a comma on laptops with Windows, macOS And Linux, including hidden keyboard shortcuts and alternative methods.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the placement of the comma depends on language layout, laptop models (for example, on MacBook And Lenovo keys may differ) and even from BIOS settings on some devices. We will not only show standard combinations, but also explain what to do if a comma is not printed at all or is replaced by another character.

Standard ways to type a comma on a laptop

In most cases, the comma is placed by simply pressing one key - but its placement varies depending on the layout. Let's look at the main options.

On Russian layout the comma is on the key B (next to Yu). To print it:

• 🔹 Click Shift + B - it will work out comma (,).
• 🔹 Click B without Shift - it will work out point (.).
• 🔹 On some laptops (for example, ASUS ROG) additional pressing may be required Fn.

On English layout (US or UK) the comma is on the key next to M:

• 🔹 Click , (key to the left of M) - comma.
• 🔹 Click Shift + , - it will work out apostrophe (').

Hotkeys for comma on different OS

If the standard method doesn't work, try alternative combinations. They are especially useful on laptops with non-standard layouts (for example, Dvorak or Colemak).

Operating system	Keyboard shortcut (Russian layout)	Keyboard shortcut (English layout)
Windows 10/11	Shift + B or Alt + 044 (on numeric keypad)	, or Alt + 044
macOS	Shift + B or Option + ,	, or Option + ; (for Russian comma)
Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora)	Shift + B or Compose + , + ,	, or Compose + . + ,
ChromeOS	Shift + B or Alt + ,	, or Ctrl + Shift + ,

On MacBook with Touch Bar The comma may not appear on the virtual keyboard. To return it:

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard.
2. Select Input methods → Russian.
3. Activate the option Show keyboard preview.

What if the comma doesn't work?

If when you press Shift + B or , nothing happens, the problem could be this:

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (eg HP Pavilion or Dell XPS) key B can be reassigned in the BIOS. Check your settings Action Keys Mode.

• 🔧 Check the layout: You may have accidentally switched to another language. Click Win + Space (Windows) or Command + Space (Mac).
• 🔧 Update your keyboard drivers: Go to Device Manager → Keyboards and update the software.
• 🔧 Use the on-screen keyboard: On Windows it can be opened via Start → Accessibility.
• 🔧 Check your physical keyboard: Sometimes under the key B Dust accumulates. Clean it carefully with compressed air.

If the problem persists, try reset keyboard settings:

reg delete "HKCU\Keyboard Layout" /f

This command must be executed in Command line as administrator (only for Windows).

How to reset the keyboard on Mac?

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, enter "Terminal").

2. Enter the command: sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTCKeyboard.kext/

3. Restart your MacBook.

Alternative comma input methods

If your keyboard is broken or you're working on a tablet with a keyboard connected, you can enter a comma in other ways.

• 📱 On-screen keyboard: Turns on via Settings → Accessibility (Windows) or System Preferences → Keyboard (Mac).
• 🖱️ Copying from clipboard: Copy the comma from this text: , and paste it in the right place (Ctrl + V).
• 📝 Symbol table: On Windows, click Win + . (period), select the comma character.
• 🤖 Voice input: B Google Docs or Word turn on voice dialing and say "comma".

For programmers and users Linux good to know ASCII codes:

• 🔢Pinch Alt, dial 044 on the numeric keypad, release Alt - you get a comma.
• 🔢 B Linux (terminal) use Compose + , + ,.

Make sure Num Lock is off|Try a different layout|Connect an external keyboard for a test|Update your drivers via Device Manager-->

Features on different laptop models

Manufacturers sometimes change the standard key layout. Here's what you need to know about popular brands:

Laptop brand	Features of comma typing	Additional nuances
Lenovo (ThinkPad, IdeaPad)	On some models Fn + B instead of Shift + B.	Check your settings Lenovo Vantage → Input.
HP (Pavilion, Omen)	May require shutdown Action Keys Mode in BIOS.	Click F10 when booting to enter the BIOS.
Dell (XPS, Inspiron)	The comma works as standard, but may conflict with Dell PremierColor.	Disable color management software in Control panels.
MacBook (Pro, Air, M1/M2)	On the layout ABC comma on Option + ,.	Use Command + Control + Space to change the layout.
ASUS (ROG, ZenBook)	May be required Fn + Shift + B.	Check the settings in Armoury Crate (for gaming models).

On gaming laptops (For example, MSI GT76 or Acer Predator) the comma is sometimes reassigned to macros. To return it:

1. Open your keyboard management software (for example, MSI Dragon Center).
2. Go to section Keys → Profiles.
3. Reset a key B.

How to set up comma autocorrect?

If you frequently need to enter commas, you can configure autocorrect or macros.

B Microsoft Word:

1. Go to File -> Options -> Spelling -> AutoCorrect Options.
2. In the field Replace enter a short combination (for example, zz).
3. In the field On enter , (comma).
4. Click Add.

B Windows 10/11 through PowerToys:

1. Install the utility Microsoft PowerToys.
2. Open PowerToys → Text Extractor.
3. Create a rule: when entering ;; replace with ,.

On Mac:

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Text.
2. Click + and add a replacement (eg dd → ,).

⚠️ Attention: AutoCorrect may conflict with abbreviations in some programs (for example, 1C or AutoCAD). Please check compatibility before setting up.

Comma in programming and special applications

In some development environments (for example, Visual Studio or PyCharm) comma can be used as part of the syntax. It is important to consider here file encoding:

• 💻 B UTF-8 The comma is displayed correctly.
• 💻 B Windows-1251 or KOI8-R there may be artifacts.

Examples of using a comma in code:

// JavaScript
let array = [1, 2, 3, 4]; // запятая как разделитель элементов массива

// Python
print("Привет", "мир", sep=", ") // запятая как параметр функции

// SQL
SELECT name, age, city FROM users; // запятая в списке столбцов

B Excel or Google Sheets comma is used as function argument separator:

=СУММ(A1,B1,C1)  // в русской версии
=SUM(A1,B1,C1)    // в английской версии

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about typing a comma

Why does my laptop print a different letter instead of a comma?

Most likely, you have the wrong layout enabled or activated Caps Lock. Also check your settings Language and region in the Control Panel. On some laptops (eg Acer) there is a function Quick Access, which can change the assignment of keys.

How to put a comma on a laptop with a touch keyboard (for example, Lenovo Yoga)?

On touch keyboards, the comma is entered in the same way as on regular keyboards, but sometimes it is necessary double tap by key B. If this doesn't work, activate the virtual keyboard via Settings → Devices → Touch keyboard.

Is it possible to remap the comma key?

Yes, using programs like AutoHotkey (Windows) or Karabiner-Elements (Mac). For example, in AutoHotkey add the line:
!c::Send, {,} - now Alt + C will introduce a comma.

Why is the comma on the wrong side on Mac?

B macOS default is used "typographical" comma (with a space after it). To disable this behavior, go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Text and uncheck Add a space after punctuation marks.

How to enter a comma on a laptop with Arabic or Chinese layout?

On Eastern keyboards, the comma is usually on the key ، (Arabic comma) or ， (Chinese). For the Russian comma, switch to the English layout and press ,, then go back. Or use Alt codes: Alt + 044.