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How to Fix Repeated Characters After Using Alt Codes in Windows 11

Elise Williams Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop duplicate symbols from appearing when typing Alt codes in their documents.

Fix Repeated Characters After Using Alt Codes in Windows 11

Product: Windows 11 / Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows 11 version 23H2
Scenario: Typing special characters (like superscript 2) using Alt code shortcuts such as Alt+0178.
Observed behavior: The Alt code produces a symbol, but another duplicate character (often a square) incorrectly appears immediately after pressing the Enter key.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows 11 system is fully updated, as Microsoft frequently patches known keyboard input and rendering glitches in newer cumulative updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-in Superscript Formatting (Recommended)

Bypass the Windows 11 Alt code bug entirely by using the native superscript formatting shortcut in your word processor.

Since the issue occurs at the operating system level when processing Alt codes, relying on native application formatting is the most reliable way to insert superscripts without triggering unexpected duplicate characters.

Type the standard number

Type the number you want to format as superscript (for example, type a standard '2' instead of using Alt+0178).

Select the text

Use your mouse or the Shift + Arrow keys to highlight the number you just typed.

Apply superscript shortcut

Press 'Ctrl + Shift + +' (Plus sign) on your keyboard simultaneously. The selected text will instantly be formatted as superscript.

Use Built-in Superscript Formatting (Recommended)

Shortcut Toggle: You can press Ctrl + Shift + + again to turn off superscript mode and return to normal text formatting.

Solution 2

Manually Delete the Duplicate Character

A quick, temporary workaround if you must use Alt codes before a permanent Windows patch is applied.

Solution 3

Check for Windows Updates and Report the Bug

Since this is a known bug in Windows 11 23H2, check if Microsoft has released a system update to permanently resolve it.

Reliable Document Editing

Insert Special Characters Flawlessly with WPS Office

Avoid Windows OS glitches with Alt codes by using WPS Writer's highly stable built-in symbol library and formatting shortcuts to easily insert superscripts and special characters.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document in WPS Writer.
2. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click on the 'Insert' tab located on the top ribbon menu, then click the 'Symbol' button.
3. Select and Insert Your Character: Choose your desired special character or superscript from the drop-down list (or click 'More Symbols' for the full library), and click 'Insert' to add it to your document without any duplicate character bugs.

Built-in visual symbol library requires no memorization of complex Alt codesPerfect compatibility with Microsoft Word documents (.docx format)Native, glitch-free superscript and subscript formatting buttonsLightweight, free, and fast word processing environment

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0178 type an extra square symbol on Windows 11?

This is a known keyboard input rendering bug in specific builds of Windows 11 (such as 23H2). The operating system sometimes misinterprets the Alt code sequence when it is immediately followed by a carriage return (pressing the Enter key).

What is the standard shortcut to type superscript without Alt codes?

In most modern word processors, including Microsoft Word and WPS Writer, you can select the text and press 'Ctrl + Shift + +' (the Plus key) simultaneously to format it as superscript.

Can I use the Windows Character Map instead of Alt codes?

Yes. Press the Windows key, type 'Character Map', and open the application. From there, you can find any special character, copy it to your clipboard, and paste it directly into your document to safely bypass Alt code keyboard glitches.

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