FAQ
TL;DR: Polish typing uses 9 diacritics; "There are nine additional letters with diacritics." If AltGr+E (ę) fails, close conflicting hotkeys and ensure Polish (Programmers) layout. Broadcom or CCC often hijack Ctrl+Alt+E on Windows. [Polish alphabet]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users on Polish keyboards quickly restore ę when AltGr+E stops working.
Quick Facts
- ę = AltGr+E, Ę = AltGr+Shift+E on Polish (Programmers) layout. [Polish keyboard layout]
- In Windows, AltGr equals Ctrl+Alt, so global app hotkeys can intercept it. [AltGr]
- Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray is a known Ctrl+Alt+E hijacker; disabling its service restores ę. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17065518]
- AMD Catalyst Control Center (CCC) historically bound [Alt]+[E]; closing background apps is an effective test. [Elektroda, polmark2, post #17065188]
- One user fixed ę by turning off a background process and kept typing normally. [Elektroda, Maynooth, post #17065626]
How do I type ę and Ę on Windows?
Switch to the Polish (Programmers) keyboard. Press Right Alt (AltGr) + E for ę. Press AltGr + Shift + E for Ę. This mapping is standard for the Polish (Programmers) layout in Windows. Confirm the layout in your language bar. [Polish keyboard layout]
Why doesnt Right Alt (AltGr) + E type ę, but Ę works?
Another program likely captured Ctrl+Alt+E, which equals AltGr+E. Uppercase may pass if that combo isnt bound. Graphics utilities, WiFi trays, or overlays often register such hotkeys. Close background apps and test after each closure. Keep or reconfigure only non-conflicting tools. [Elektroda, polmark2, post #17065188]
What does AltGr actually do on Windows?
AltGr modifies keys to access third-level characters. In Windows, it equals Ctrl+Alt. "In Microsoft Windows, the AltGr key is equivalent to pressing the Ctrl and Alt keys together." Any program binding Ctrl+Alt+E can block ę. Disable or change that hotkey. [AltGr]
How do I find which program is stealing AltGr+E?
Look at startup tray tools and overlays. Close them one by one and test ę each time. Typical culprits include GPU panels and WiFi tray tools. How-To:
- Close tray utilities (GPU, WiFi, overlays) one by one.
- Test AltGr+E after each closure.
- Disable the found apps hotkey or its autostart. [Elektroda, polmark2, post #17065188]
Is Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray a known culprit?
Yes. Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray uses a conflicting hotkey. Stop or disable its service in Windows Services to restore ę. Users with Broadcom WiFi should check this first. This resolves the conflict immediately for affected systems. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17065518]
How do I disable the Broadcom hotkey?
Open Windows Services. Find the Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray entry. Stop the service, then set Startup type to Disabled. Reboot and test AltGr+E. Re-enable later only if you need that tray function. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17065518]
Does AMD Catalyst Control Center (CCC) block Alt+E?
Yes, CCC historically bound [Alt]+[E] and similar shortcuts. Exit CCC from the tray and test ę. If ę returns, disable CCC hotkeys or remove the component. Keep only software that does not hijack your needed shortcuts. [Elektroda, polmark2, post #17065188]
How do I add or switch to the Polish (Programmers) keyboard in Windows 10/11?
Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Add Polish, then add the "Polish (Programmers)" keyboard. Switch layouts with Win+Space or the language icon. Remove other Polish layouts if they cause confusion. [Manage keyboard input methods in Windows]
Why can I paste ę but not type it?
Paste inserts the character code directly. Typing depends on the active keyboard layout and unblocked shortcuts. If a program registers Ctrl+Alt+E, it intercepts AltGr+E. Activate the Polish layout and clear the conflicting hotkey to restore typing. [Manage keyboard input methods in Windows]
Quick workaround: how can I insert ę if the shortcut is blocked?
In Microsoft Word, type the characters Unicode code, then press Alt+X. This converts the code into the letter. You can also use Insert > Symbol or the Windows Character Map. These methods avoid global hotkey conflicts temporarily. [Insert ASCII or Unicode characters by code]
Which Polish letters require AltGr, and how many are there?
Polish uses nine diacritic letters: ą, ć, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, ż. Many keyboard layouts map these via AltGr. A single conflict can therefore block multiple letters, not only ę. Fixing the hotkey restores all affected characters. [Polish alphabet]
Will my fix persist after a reboot?
It persists only if the conflicting app or service stays disabled. If it autostarts, the problem returns. Disable the specific service or remove its hotkey to keep ę working after restart. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17065518]
What are the Unicode codes for Ę and ę?
Ę is U+0118 and ę is U+0119 in Unicode. Knowing the codes helps when using tools like Alt+X or Character Map. This also verifies youre inserting the exact characters required for Polish. [Latin Extended-A Unicode code chart]
What resolved it for the original poster here?
They turned off a background process, and ę started working again. They did not identify the exact culprit. Use the close-and-test method to find your conflicting app and disable its hotkey or startup. [Elektroda, Maynooth, post #17065626]
