How to resolve issue of typed ALT code not appearing until there is another keystroke in PowerPoint?

Question

How to resolve issue of typed ALT code not appearing until there is another keystroke in PowerPoint?

JENNIFER COMEAU 0

I am having a very specific issue with Alt codes in Microsoft PowerPoint. When I use an Alt code for an accented character (for example, Alt + 0233 for é), the character does not appear when I release the Alt key. Instead, it appears only when I type the next character, and that next character is lost.

For example, if I want to type éc:
I press Alt + 0233 and release Alt.
Nothing appears.
I press c.
Only é appears — the c is not inserted.
I press c a second time.
Now I have éc.

So the first keystroke after the Alt code is essentially being consumed, and the Alt-code character appears in its place. This happens with all Alt codes/accented characters, not just é.

I have already tried the following solutions:
The Alt codes work normally in other Windows applications.
They work normally in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Programs.
The problem occurs only in PowerPoint.
It happens in a brand-new blank PowerPoint presentation.
It happens in Outline View as well as normal slide text boxes.
It still happens when PowerPoint is launched in Safe Mode (powerpnt /safe).
It still happens after restarting the computer.
I have updated Microsoft 365/Office to the latest version.
I performed an Online Repair of Microsoft 365, but the problem remains.
I turned off "Highlight misspelled words" in Windows Settings.
I turned off "Show text suggestions when typing on the physical keyboard."
I tested all three of my Windows keyboard layouts, and the behaviour is identical with all of them:
ENG — English (Canada) — US
ENG — English (United States) — US
FRA — French (Canada) — Canadian French
Holding the Alt key for an additional 1–2 seconds after entering the code does not help; the character still waits for the next keystroke.

My computer has both Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise – en-us and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise – fr-ca installed.

I use French extensively in PowerPoint, so I rely heavily on Alt codes for accented characters. This issue makes typing French in PowerPoint extremely frustrating. I know there are work-arounds but honestly I'd just like my software to function normally.

Has anyone encountered this PowerPoint-specific Alt-code issue, or found a fix?

Erland Sommarskog 137.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-30T21:48:53.3133333+00:00

I can confirm the behaviour. I'm not using Microsoft 365, but an older version - I have not been able to figure out which.

I have not noticed this problem before. On my Swedish keyboard there are mute keys for accents which makes it easier to compose characters like é. Thus, I have no need for Alt-codes. When I occasionally need characters not available from the keyboard, I use the Character Map application, but I agree that this is not any fun when you need the character in every sentence.

A possible workaround could be to use the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to create your own custom layout. Then you could put é and other characters in French so that they are even more convenient to use than ALT+code. I've used the tool myself to set up an alternative Swedish layout. The prime reason was to move the underscore to be on unshifted key, but while I was at it I defined keystrokes for æ and ø which are not on a Swedish keyboard, but which are used in Danish and Norwegian.

1 answer

Your answer

Erland Sommarskog 137.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-30T21:48:53.3133333+00:00

I can confirm the behaviour. I'm not using Microsoft 365, but an older version - I have not been able to figure out which.

I have not noticed this problem before. On my Swedish keyboard there are mute keys for accents which makes it easier to compose characters like é. Thus, I have no need for Alt-codes. When I occasionally need characters not available from the keyboard, I use the Character Map application, but I agree that this is not any fun when you need the character in every sentence.

A possible workaround could be to use the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to create your own custom layout. Then you could put é and other characters in French so that they are even more convenient to use than ALT+code. I've used the tool myself to set up an alternative Swedish layout. The prime reason was to move the underscore to be on unshifted key, but while I was at it I defined keystrokes for æ and ø which are not on a Swedish keyboard, but which are used in Danish and Norwegian.

Answer 1

Hi Jenifer,

Given how thoroughly you've already ruled things out (safe mode, repair, blank deck, all three keyboard layouts), this indicates a more complex behavior that cannot be fully resolved from the end-user side.

You can consider create auto correct options. For example, you could have ~e correct to é

Go to File > Options > Proofing and select AutoCorrect Options
In the Replace box, type a plain-text trigger you'll remember
In the With box, type the correct spelling of the word.
Select Add.

For more info on the AutoCorrect tab, see AutoCorrect options.

For reference: Add or remove AutoCorrect entries in Word | Microsoft Support

However, I believe this behaviour is greatly impacting to your workflow, I highly recommend submitting a suggestion directly for PowerPoint by navigating to: PowerPoint · Community This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.

I hope this provides enough clarity and helps you stay inform with your current situation.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.

If the answer is helpful, please click 'Yes' and kindly upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in the forum documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.