QR codes are an integral part of our world, providing a quick and efficient way to access information or websites. However, have you ever found yourself staring at one of those mysterious black and white squares of pixels and wondering what their purpose is? This guide will show you how to scan QR codes on your Windows computer.
However, before that, let's talk about QR codes, which are much more than just black and white squares. QR stands for Quick Response Codes, which are unique barcodes containing information ranging from simple emails and phone numbers to complex URLs.
Furthermore, you can obtain encrypted information using a QR code scanner, which is also available on Windows computers. But how do you scan them on your computer? Read on to learn more.
1. Use the default WINDOWS CAMERA app
The Camera app on your Windows PC or laptop is designed to capture live images and can be a great resource for searching for details encoded in a QR code when you have an active internet connection. Here's how to use the Camera app to scan a QR code on your computer.
Step 1: Click on the icon never, And type camera, Then click on open In the result.
Step 3: hold QR code Your computer's camera will take some time to analyze the QR code and display the relevant link.
Related: How to Fix Camera Not Working on Windows
2. Scan a QR code with Google Lens in Chrome
By now, you've probably thought of Google Lens as an AI-powered visual recognition tool that can help you identify text and objects in an image. However, here's the cool part: it's much more than that. It lets you scan QR codes in real time and even lets you search for information about a QR code stored on your laptop or PC.
Real-time QR code scanning
Imagine you're browsing a website using Google Chrome and see a QR code that interests you. To see what's in the QR code, right-click on it and select "Search images with Google" from the options.
Scan QR code from existing image
Follow the steps below to scan saved QR codes on your Windows computer:
Step 1: turn on Chrome browser.
Step 2: Go to Google and press the . button Search Pictured is the Google Lens camera icon.
Step 4: Google will now scan the QR code and display Results With information about it. You can click to visit the site if it is a web link.
3. With the help of online QR scanning service
You can quickly scan QR codes on your computer using an online service. These tools simplify QR code decoding and eliminate the need for additional software. You can connect to the internet, grant camera access if necessary, and let the service do its work. Let's use 4qrcode as an example.
Step 1: Open web browser Which you choose.
Step 2: Go to 4qrcode Using the link below and choose QR code scanner in the navigation bar.
You can also scan a QR code directly with your camera, and the results will appear in the box next to it. Additionally, here are some online QR code scanning services to consider:
4. Use a Chrome browser extension to scan a QR code on Windows
Scanning QR codes using extensions on Chromium-based browsers is not only one of the simplest methods, but also one of the most secure ways to decode the purpose of the code. This method enables you to scan QR codes embedded in website images directly, eliminating the need for external camera-based devices.
By using these extensions, you eliminate the need for an additional app on your device and protect your data from potentially malicious code. Many extensions can scan QR codes for malicious content, protecting your device from hidden threats.
Let's use an extension called Right Click QR Code Reader to demonstrate.
Step 1: Open a web browser based on Chromium.
Step 2: Go to appendix Right click on QRcode Reader and click the . button Add to [browser name]
Step 3: Click addition Appendix to the claim presented.
5. Read QR codes using a dedicated app on Windows
While the above techniques are straightforward, they do have some limitations. For example, most require an active internet connection, while some are limited to Chromium-based browsers.
Furthermore, you don't have to worry about this if you're using a dedicated app. Most of them work well even without an internet connection and can provide you with the information decoded in the QR code. However, accessing the website may require an internet connection.
Now let's check out how to use these apps. We're using CodeTwo for the illustrations.
Note: The steps below may vary depending on the app you are using.
Step 1: Open your web browser and visit CodeTwo's.
Step 2: Download the CodeTwo and install it on your computer.
Step 3: Launch the app and look at the top left of the screen. You will see a menu containing: Four options To scan QR codes. You can choose any of them.
- From the screen: Allows you to select a part of your screen and read any visible QR codes.
- From the webcam: Use this to read a QR code using the camera on your laptop or computer.
- From the file: You can scan a QR code from an image you have saved on your device using this feature.
- From the clipboard: Allows you to read the QR code from the image you copied to your clipboard.
Once the scan is complete, the information will appear in the QR code text box at the bottom of the screen.
Additionally, here are some additional suggestions for apps that let you scan QR codes on your Windows PC:
- Codex – QR Reader & Generator
- QR code scanner by Matthias Duyck
- Simply QR by Meng Xuan XIa
- QR Scanner+ // QR Code and Barcode reader
- Free QR Code Scanner
common questions:
Q1. How can I create my own QR codes?
The answer: There are many ways to create your own QR codes. For example, you can use a free online QR code generator, a QR code creation plugin, or a specific QR code creation program.
Q2. What are the different types of QR codes?
The answer: QR codes come in many forms, each serving a specific purpose. Some common types include QR codes for a website, PDF file, image gallery, app download, social media account, and payment.
Scan QR easily
QR codes are convenient, versatile, and secure for accessing information, making payments, and tracking locations. This article shows you how to scan QR codes on a Windows computer using various methods. Now that you know how to scan QR codes on Windows from images on your computer and in real time, start using them to make your life easier and more convenient.
