In Windows, how can I access extended keyboard characters, such as accent marks?

Most text editors and word processors allow you to type special symbols that do not appear on the keyboard. The most useful of these are foreign language characters and accents.

To access these, you will need to use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Make sure that the NumLock key is on, and then press and hold one of your Alt keys. While you are holding Alt, use the numeric keypad to type one of the three-digit numbers listed below. When you are done typing, release the Alt key, and the associated extended character will appear.

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