Short answer: Look for a key with a small "Ins" label — often Delete or PrtSc — and press it while holding Fn. If there is none, use numpad 0 with Num Lock off, the On-Screen Keyboard, a PowerToys remap, or an external keyboard with an Insert key.
What does the Insert key do?
Insert (Ins) toggles between insert mode and overwrite mode in many text fields. In overwrite mode, typing replaces the characters after the cursor — a common reason text seems to "disappear" as you type. Behavior varies by app; Word, for example, ignores the key for overwrite by default.
It is also used in the shortcuts Ctrl + Insert (copy) and Shift + Insert (paste).
Where to find the Insert key
| Keyboard | Where Insert is |
|---|---|
| Full-size or tenkeyless | A dedicated key above the arrow keys, next to Home and Page Up |
| Laptop | Often printed as "Ins" on Delete or PrtSc in the top-right corner; usually needs Fn |
| Numeric keypad | On the 0 key ("0/Ins"); works as Insert when Num Lock is off |
| Compact (60%, 65%) | Usually omitted, sometimes on an Fn layer |
| Mac keyboard | No Insert key |
HP, Dell, Lenovo ThinkPad and Surface layouts differ even within one brand, so the reliable way is to look for the "Ins" or "Insert" label on the keycaps. If the label is the same color as the Fn key, press it together with Fn.
Insert on a 60% or 65% keyboard
Compact 60% and 65% keyboards often leave the Insert key out. Some put it on a second (Fn) layer, but which key that is depends on the model and its firmware, so check the layout card or the manufacturer's manual. If you can't find it, the numpad 0, On-Screen Keyboard and PowerToys methods above work on any Windows PC. On a keyboard with programmable firmware you can usually assign Insert to a key yourself.
Five ways to press Insert without an Insert key
1. Use the Fn combination
Hold Fn and press the key labelled "Ins" (often Delete, PrtSc or 0). Some laptops offer an Fn Lock so the secondary function works without holding Fn.
2. Use numpad 0
On a keyboard with a numeric keypad, turn Num Lock off and press 0 on the keypad.
3. Use the On-Screen Keyboard
Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard and click Insert. Fine for occasional use.
4. Remap a key with PowerToys
Microsoft's free PowerToys includes Keyboard Manager, which can turn a key you rarely use — such as Right Alt — into Insert.
5. Use an external keyboard with an Insert key
If you use Insert every day, a keyboard with a dedicated key is the most comfortable option. Check the layout image for an Insert key next to Home and Page Up before you buy — compact 60% and 65% boards usually leave it out.
Turn the Insert key into a date key
InsertDate is a Windows app that turns the rarely used Insert key into a "type today's date" key. Press Insert in any app and today's date appears as yyyyMMdd (e.g. 20261010). Anything your PC receives as Insert — including an Fn combination — should work, but please confirm on your own machine with the 7-day free trial.
Related: Shortcuts to insert today's date · What is the yyyyMMdd format?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Insert key on a laptop?
On many laptops it is printed as "Ins" on the Delete or PrtSc key in the top-right corner and works when you hold Fn. Layouts vary by model, so look for the Ins label on the keycaps.
How do I press Insert if my keyboard has no Insert key?
Use numpad 0 with Num Lock off, the On-Screen Keyboard (Windows + Ctrl + O), a PowerToys Keyboard Manager remap, or an external keyboard with an Insert key.
Why does typing delete the next character?
You are probably in overwrite mode, which the Insert key toggles. Press Insert again to return to insert mode.
Do Mac keyboards have an Insert key?
No. Mac keyboards do not have a dedicated Insert key.
Try InsertDate Free for 7 Days
Press Insert. Get today's date in yyyyMMdd. Works in every Windows application — no configuration needed.
InsertDate is a Windows 10/11 app. Reading on a phone? Open this page on your PC to install it.