Windows 11 users can now rejoice as Microsoft introduces a new keyboard shortcut for accessing the elusive em dash. Previously, generating this punctuation mark required a cumbersome combination of the Alt key and a series of numbers, or navigating through the emoji panel. Such methods often felt clunky and inefficient, but the latest update promises a more streamlined approach.
Jen Gentleman, Principal Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, recently shared this development on X, indicating that the rollout is part of the September preview update for Windows 11. The new shortcut allows users to input an em dash with a simple three-key combination, making it significantly easier for those who frequently utilize this punctuation in their writing.
For users of tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards, which lack a dedicated number pad, the previous methods were particularly inconvenient. Accessing the em dash through the emoji picker panel, activated by pressing Windows + ., was a workaround, but not an ideal one. Now, with the new shortcut, fans of the em dash can enjoy a more efficient typing experience.
Analysis: a dash decision
However, the timing of this update raises an interesting question about the relevance of the em dash in contemporary writing. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent, there is a growing perception that the em dash is more commonly used by machines than by human authors. This trend may lead some writers to reconsider its use, as employing it could inadvertently signal that a piece of text was crafted by AI.
While the em dash has its place in writing, many find the en dash—like this one—more appealing and less obtrusive. The distinction between the two is often blurred, leading to personal preferences that vary widely among writers. Yet, the concern remains that using the em dash might evoke associations with AI-generated content, which could influence how readers perceive the authenticity of the writing.
Interestingly, Mac users have long enjoyed a straightforward keyboard shortcut for the em dash, utilizing Option + Shift + –. This raises the question of whether Windows users will embrace the new shortcut, or if they will continue to rely on alternative methods, especially in light of the evolving landscape of digital communication.
