Windows 11 introduces a taskbar emoji icon, making it easier to access fun characters and GIFs.

The dedicated "emoji and more" panel allows access to emojis, GIFs, and icons across all applications.

Users can still use the Windows key + period shortcut, with the option to customize the new icon in taskbar settings.

You know that feeling when you want to drop an emoji or GIF into a conversation, but you can't quite remember the keyboard shortcut? Microsoft hears that pain, which is why there’s a subtle but significant change brewing that should make it that much easier.

Microsoft is rolling out a handy new addition to the Windows 11 taskbar—a dedicated system tray icon for the "emoji and more" panel. Before, you could only use the Windows key + period shortcut. That’s still available, of course, but it’s not super obvious to everyone. Now, there will be a little icon in the taskbar acting as a constant reminder of where you can grab some extra personality.

As the “emoji and more” name implies, this panel does give you more than just quirky faces and food icons. It contains emoji, GIFs, and a bunch of other icons and characters you might want. Since it’s in the taskbar, it works across all your applications and every corner of Windows, so you’re never stuck fumbling around.