Get Windows 10 Emojis on Windows 11: Full Guide

This guide shows you how to get the classic Windows 10 emoji set on a Windows 11 PC. You’ll learn two safe methods: using a third-party font installer and tweaking the registry. No special skills are needed, just a few minutes and the ability to follow simple steps.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 computer with administrator access
• Internet connection to download the Windows 10 emoji font
• Basic comfort with File Explorer and the Registry Editor (we’ll walk you through)

Step-by-Step

There are two main ways to get the Windows 10 emojis on Windows 11. Choose the one that suits you best.

Method 1: Install the Windows 10 Emoji Font (Recommended)

1. Download the font file. Search online for “Segoe UI Emoji font Windows 10 download” and grab the seguiemj.ttf file from a reputable source. Make sure it’s the Windows 10 version, not the Windows 11 one.
2. Extract if needed. If the download is in a ZIP folder, right-click it and select “Extract All.”
3. Install the font. Right-click on the seguiemj.ttf file and choose “Install.” If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes.”
4. Restart your apps. Close and reopen any apps where you want the new emojis (like your browser or Word). The change might not appear in already-open windows.
5. Check the emojis. Press Win + . (period) to open the emoji picker. The emojis should now look like the Windows 10 style.

Method 2: Registry Tweak (For Advanced Users)

This method forces Windows to use the older font even when a new one is present. It’s a bit more technical, so be careful.

1. Open Registry Editor. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted.
2. Navigate to the Fonts key. In the left sidebar, go to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts
3. Create a new string value. Right-click in the right pane, select “New” → “String Value.” Name it Segoe UI Emoji (TrueType).
4. Set the value data. Double-click the new value and set it to the full path of the Windows 10 font file you downloaded. For example:
   C:\Windows\Fonts\seguiemj.ttf (if you replaced the original) or a custom path like D:\Fonts\seguiemj.ttf.
5. Reboot. Restart your computer for the change to take full effect.

Both methods achieve the same result. The first is simpler and safer for most people.

Common Mistakes

• Downloading the wrong font version. Make sure you get the Windows 10 version. Windows 11’s font has a different look, and if you install that, you’ll see no change.
• Not restarting apps. The emoji picker and many apps cache the font. You must close and reopen them to see the change.
• Editing the registry incorrectly. Typos in the registry can cause problems. Double-check the path and the value name.
• Forgetting to back up. Before editing the registry, it’s wise to export the key you’re changing. Right-click the “Fonts” key and select “Export” to save a backup.

Tips

• Use a font manager. If you want to switch back easily, use a free font manager to install and uninstall the font without touching the registry.
• Test in a text editor. Open Notepad and press Win + . to see the emojis instantly. If they look right there, the font is working.
• Keep the original font handy. If you want to revert, just reinstall the Windows 11 font from the system or download it from Microsoft’s website.
• Check for updates. Windows updates might overwrite the font. If the emojis revert, you’ll need to reinstall the old font.

Troubleshooting

If the emojis didn’t change after following the steps, try these fixes:

• Clear the font cache. Press Win + R, type services.msc, find “Windows Font Cache Service,” stop it, then delete the files in C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\FontCache. Restart the service.
• Check if the font is actually installed. Open Settings → Personalization → Fonts and search for “Segoe UI Emoji.” If it shows the Windows 11 version, the installation didn’t work.
• Run the installer as administrator. Right-click the font file and choose “Install for all users.”
• Verify the registry path. If you used the registry method, make sure the path to the font file is correct and that the file exists there.
• Reboot completely. Sometimes a simple restart isn’t enough; do a full shutdown and power on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this break anything on my system?

No, installing a font is safe. The registry method is riskier, but if you follow the steps correctly, it won’t break anything. Always back up the registry before editing.

Can I get the Windows 10 emojis without downloading anything?

No, Windows 11 doesn’t include the old emoji font. You need to download it from a reliable source.

Why do the emojis look different in some apps?

Some apps (like Discord or Slack) use their own emoji sets. The change only affects apps that use the system emoji font.

Will Windows Update revert the change?

Yes, a major Windows update could replace the font. You’ll need to reapply the steps after a big update.

Is it legal to use the Windows 10 emoji font on Windows 11?

Yes, it’s a Microsoft font and you’re using it on a licensed Windows system. It’s fine for personal use.

Can I use the Windows 10 emojis on other apps like Photoshop?

Yes, once the font is installed, any app that uses system fonts can access it. You may need to select it manually in the app’s font list.

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