Two-dimensional barcodes called Quick Response codes, or QR codes for short, are used to store data that devices can read. While QR codes are popularly scanned via smartphones, what if you want to scan QR codes on a Windows PC quickly? This article will walk you through scanning a QR code on a Windows PC if you do not have your phone.
How to Scan QR Codes on Windows PC
There are two ways in which you can scan QR codes in Windows 11 using the two methods given below:
- Use the Camera App to Scan QR Codes
- Scan QR Codes Using QR Code Scanning Apps
Scanning a QR code with a Windows webcam has its own limitations. The experience will not be close to what you get on the phone, but it will get all the primary job done.
1] Use the Camera App to Scan QR Codes
Usually, you can take pictures and record videos with your Windows computer using the Windows Camera app. It can, however, also read QR codes.
- Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
- Type Camera into the search bar, and click to launch the app when it appears.
- Press the Settings button at the top left corner of the Camera app.
- Toggle on the switch next to Try out new experimental features by clicking Related settings.
- Close and open the Camera app again, then select the barcode icon located on the right side of the app. If the barcode icon is not visible, update it to make sure you have the most recent version of Windows.
- Now, place the QR code in front of the camera on your computer, and the Camera app will scan it for you. Press the link displayed at the bottom of the Camera app window.
Read: How to scan a Wi-Fi QR Code on Windows
2] Scan QR Codes Using QR Code Scanning Apps
In this method, I have included two QR scanning applications you can download from the Microsoft Store for free to scan QR codes.
i) QR Code Scanner
This simple app, QR Code Scanner, allows you to create and scan QR codes. You can also use your webcam to scan or import an image file.
Note: You might need to reduce the brightness if scanning from a different display (like a smartphone) for the app to scan the code without delays. Also, ensure that the code fills the entire preview screen.
Let us move on to how to scan a QR Code using the QR Code Scanner app:
- Open the QR Code Scanner app using Windows search and give the app permission to access your PC’s camera.
- Place the QR code in hand in front of the camera and within the frame.
- Once the scan is complete, which will only take a second or two, click the Copy To Clipboard button, paste the link to your web browser, and press enter to access the QR code’s content.
ii) One Scan QR Code
With the One Scan QR Code scanning app, you can quickly scan QR codes and view its content using your web browser. You can also create QR codes using this app as well. Follow the steps given below to scan a QR code using the One Scan QR code app:
- Open the One Scan QR code app using Windows search and allow the app to access your PC’s camera.
- Take your QR code and place it in front of your PC’s camera.
- Once the scanning is done, the link to the content of the QR code will be automatically copied to your PC’s clipboard. So, open your web browser, paste the link, and press Enter to view the content.
Read: Free QR Code generator software for Windows PC
Nowadays, it is critical to learn how to scan a QR code on a laptop or PC screen because many industries worldwide use QR codes to distribute information. With the procedures mentioned in the article, anyone can quickly scan a QR code on a PC.
Read: How to display the WiFi QR code in Windows 11
How do I make my QR code secure?
Activate the password feature to safeguard the content of your generated QR code. Only authorized individuals can access your private information thanks to these password-protected QR codes. End users must enter the required password to access the data when they scan it.
Read: How to enable QR code generator in Microsoft Edge
Can a photocopy of a QR code be scanned?
Yes, a photocopy of a QR code can be scanned. All you have to do is make sure the photocopy of the QR Code is clear and not pixelated. By doing this, you can ensure that the QR Code can still be scanned.
