Is there anyway in Windows 11 to bring back the old Emoji list?

Question

Is there anyway in Windows 11 to bring back the old Emoji list?

Neil O'Hara 5

In Windows 10 and in previous Windows 11 until 24H2 or a recent update, Windows key + ; would bring up all possible emojis.... Now it brings up a curated list of emojis that MS deems are all we should have and are not like the emojis in other apps, FB, android, apple etc... I want full access to every emoji that is out there and now it's just the cutesy sickening ones. I liked have ing access in the old way for Kaomoji and symbols as this has but having gifs is cools but again it's curated, but I want the old list which was more expansive than this new one and included all flags of the worlds nations and now none are present.

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Answer 1

Horace Wiggins 355

Look at this search result. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-keyboard-tips-and-tricks-588e0b72-0fff-6d3f-aeee-6e5116097942#:~:text=ThenewemojikeyboardinWindows11letsyouexpressyourselflikeneverbefore.T

Example images.

WhatASunnyDayGIF

MondaysGarfieldGIF (2)

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Answer 2

I hear your frustration. What features are you still missing in Windows 11 that you rely on every day?

Microsoft removed the old emoji set and the full flag list as part of the updated input experience in Windows 11, and there is no supported way to restore the older panel. The system design now follows a single curated set across Windows and Microsoft apps. Windows 11 also requires a Microsoft account, TPM, and Secure Boot for supported installs. These requirements are part of the official security model and are not optional in supported builds. If those changes interrupt your workflow, Linux is a valid alternative for personal use because it removes those requirements and gives you more control.

Answer 3

Arlene D 36,005 Independent Advisor

I understand the change in the emoji panel is frustrating. Which Windows 11 build are you using, and is it fully updated?

Microsoft officially supports the emoji panel via Windows key + period or semicolon. The current panel is curated and does not include the full old emoji list, all flags, or the older Kaomoji set. There is no built-in way to restore the old list. You can use the current panel, the touch keyboard, or Character Map to insert symbols and Kaomoji that are still supported.

Neil O'Hara 5 Reputation points

2025-11-21T03:33:56.4733333+00:00

This is all Microsoft being Microsoft, they make something new and improved and it takes away features that we use and depend on. I need the country flags by a decent amount, but beyond that the old teams started losing important features then new teams came along and it wasn't even as good as limited old teams, which was never as good a MSN Messenger nor Skype, and then Windows 11 is a complete productivity killer. Sure they finally added some features back, but it's still a sh-t show. I know for home use, I'll be switching to Linux. I don't want an MS account, TPM module or deal with secure boot. But even the interface of W11 lacks so much, it's a massive downgrade, worse than Windows 8 was. Microsoft's motto is "do it our way or not at all"
Me 0 Reputation points

2026-04-09T12:00:39.9+00:00

STOP YOUR PR BULLSHIT we don't give a shit. Just say to your boss WE WANT FLAG EMOJI BACK and none of your useless unrequested updates

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Is there anyway in Windows 11 to bring back the old Emoji list?

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