How to type en-dash and em-dash in Windows 7/8?

If you have a numpad, turn numlock on and use Alt + 0150 for en-dash and Alt + 0151 for em-dash. That is keep Alt pressed and type the numbers on the numeric keypad.

EDIT: As @gronostaj points out, this works with only left Alt.

For anyone looking for a slightly faster (although not-native) solution, I have made an AutoHotKey program that lets you type Em and En dashes somewhat naturally. I really made it for myself, but it's on Github if anyone's interested.

It's called Em-n-en.

The entire point of this program is to allow a user to quickly insert an em/en dash by typing ==- (Em dash) or --= (En dash). There are other methods for inserting the dashes - these are covered in the program itself. Note that this only works on windows.

Hopefully this is helpful! :)

To find any character you need, use "Character Map" - note the text in the lower right corner.
Note also that the availabilty of a character depends on the typeface (Font) that you have active.

You use Character map to find out which character and what "Keystroke" (above) it can be generated with. Then you do not need Character map any more - assumed you can remember the number or keys to type/use. Note that some are available also with Alt/Shift/Control - as in Alt+Space == either of Em or En space (can't remember which it is right now and no W-computer to try it out on).

As an alternative way, you can use a clipboard manager like ClipX with the "Stickies" plugin. If you store proper en dash into the list, entering it is just Ctrl+Alt+V (or whatever shortcut is configured to show the list) followed by A.