Need to connect two words or numbers with a hyphen — and not have them separated again at the end of a line or page? Find out here how to enter a non-breaking hyphen on Windows ⤓ using character map, copying and pasting as well as a Windows “Alt” code.
On This Page
How to Insert a Non-breaking Hyphen on Windows (Including an Alt Code)
On a Mac? How to Insert the Non-breaking Hyphen ( ‑ ) on a Mac
Using Character Map (Universal and a Bit Cumbersome)
Time needed: 3 minutes
To insert a non-breaking hyphen character in any text on Windows using Character Map:
- Open the Character Map application.
Here’s how: Open the Start menu and type
character map, then click Character Map in search results. - Select Lucida Sans Unicode under Font :.
Other fonts: Most fonts do not include the non-breaking hyphen, but you can select any font that does, of course.
- Check Advanced view.
- Enter
non-breaking hyphenunder Search for :. - Highlight the U+2011 Non-Breaking Hyphen character.
- Click Select under Characters to copy:.
- Now click Copy.
- Now paste the protected hyphen where you want to use it.
Their word: Microsoft include information on special characters and Character Map in Windows help.
Even less breaking? How to Enter a Nonbreaking Space on Windows
Using the Word (MS Office) No-break Hyphen Keyboard Shortcut
You can insert non-breaking hyphens using a handy keyboard shortcut in Word and other Office or Microsoft 365 desktop applications.
Using Copy and Paste
To copy the non-breaking hyphen for posting anywhere, use the button below:
Non-breaking hyphen ‑ |
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How to Insert a Non-breaking Hyphen on Windows: FAQ
Can I enter the non-breaking hyphen with a Windows Alt code?
Yes.
While there is no short Windows Alt code to input a protected, no-break hyphen, you can resort to Windows “Alt + Unicode” input.
To insert a non-breaking hyphen using a Windows Alt code:
- Turn on NumLock.
- Position the text cursor where you want to insert the non-breaking hyphen.
- Press and hold Alt.
- Now type
+8209on the numeric keypad. - Release the Alt key.
Can I enter a nonbreaking hyphen using the Emoji panel or on-screen keyboard?
No.
The emoji keyboard as well as the on-screen and touch keyboards do not include the non-breaking hyphen.
Is there an HTML entity for the no-break hyphen?
While there is no named HTML entity for the no-break hyphen, you can, of course, use a non-breaking hyphen in HTML using Unicode.
(Tested with Windows 11 Version 22H2–25H2 and Windows 10; first published September 2021, last updated July 2026)