Shortcut to open Windows 10 On-Screen Keyboard (not OSK.exe)

This solution worked for me so it might be worth a try:

• Go onto the desktop and select new -> shortcut

• Within the "Type the Location of the item" text box add the following:

  %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\microsoft shared\ink\TabTip.exe

• Hit the next button, and name your shortcut to something of your choosing.

• Double click and run your "Touch Keyboard"

I followed the instructions from this site and it worked perfectly for me (With the emojis too!) It does state Windows 8 but appears to work on 10 too.

Touch Keyboard Shortcut Instructions

Let me know how you get on :)

If you cannot create a shortcut (like on a borrowed PC or a temporary account) then a workaround is to press Windows+B to put focus into the notification area. After that change the focus to the keyboard button (with arrow keys) and press Enter

If you don't have a lot of icons in the notification area then it'll take just a few keystrokes to open the keyboard which may still be faster than reaching the mouse, click then back again to your home row

But nowadays to enter emojis and such just press Windows+. (dot) or Windows+; (semicolon)

How do I bring up the emoji IME on Windows 10?