QR codes are everywhere today—on websites, product packaging, apps, Wi-Fi routers, business cards, digital payments, and more. While scanning a QR code on a smartphone is super easy, many Windows users don’t realize that you can also scan QR codes right from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
Whether you’re trying to open a link, download an app, authenticate a login, or join a Wi-Fi network, Windows offers multiple ways to scan QR codes—using built-in tools, browser features, webcam-based methods, and third-party apps.
Since you’re here reading this guide, we’re guessing you need a quick and reliable way to scan a QR code on your Windows computer. Good news—you have several great options.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you every method to scan QR codes on Windows 10 and 11, step by step.
1. Scan QR Codes Using the Windows Camera App
Windows includes a built-in Camera app that can scan QR codes just like a smartphone camera.
- Open the Start menu.
- Type Camera and open the app.
- Point your webcam at the QR code.
- Wait for the QR code to appear clearly in the frame.
- A notification or link will pop up—click it to open the content.
Tip: Improve scanning accuracy
- Ensure your webcam is above 720p resolution.
- Bring the QR code closer and adjust the angle.
- Increase screen brightness if scanning from another display.
This method works reliably for basic QR codes like URLs and app links.
2. Scan QR Codes Using Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has a hidden built-in QR scanner you can use to decode codes directly from images.
This works even if you don’t have a webcam.
Scan a QR code from an image file
- Save the QR code image to your PC.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Right-click the image → choose Open image in new tab.
- Right-click again → select:
Inspect - In DevTools, press Ctrl + Shift + P.
- Type:
QR - Select Show QR Code reader.
Paste the image or upload it, and Edge will decode the QR code instantly.
Use Edge’s built-in generator + scanner shortcut
- In Edge, click in the address bar.
- Type:
edge://flags - Search for QR.
- Enable QR code generator and restart Edge.
Now you’ll see a QR tool in the browser that can scan existing codes by uploading an ima
3. Scan QR Codes Using Google Chrome
Chrome doesn’t have a native scanner, but it can decode QR codes with extensions or the Chrome QR tool.
Use Chrome’s QR tool (for images)
- Right-click a QR code on a webpage.
- Choose:
Search image with Google - Google Lens opens and automatically decodes the QR code.
Use a Chrome extension (If you frequently scan codes)
Install one of these free extensions:
- QR Code Reader
- QR Scanner
- QR Code Decoder
Once installed:
- Click the extension icon.
- Upload a QR code screenshot or use Scan from screen.
Results appear instantly.
4. Scan QR Codes Using the Built-in Snipping Tool
Windows 11’s Snipping Tool received a powerful update: Text & QR decoding.
- Press Windows + Shift + S to capture the QR code.
- The Snipping Tool window opens automatically.
- Click the new Text Actions or QR Code icon.
- Windows will extract and decode the QR data.
- Click the link or copy the content.
This is by far the easiest method for Windows 11 users.
5. Scan QR Codes Using Online QR Code Scanners
If you have a screenshot or downloaded QR image, you can upload it to an online scanner.
Trusted websites include:
- Take a screenshot of the QR code (Windows + Shift + S).
- Visit one of the websites above.
- Upload the image.
- The site extracts and displays the QR code data.
This method works on both Windows 10 and 11.
6. Scan QR Codes Using Third-Party Apps from Microsoft Store
If you want dedicated software, the Microsoft Store has several reliable QR scanner apps.
Recommended apps:
- QR Scanner Plus
- QR Code for PC
- CodeTwo QR Reader
- QR Code Desktop Reader
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for QR Scanner.
- Install your preferred app.
- Launch and scan using webcam or upload images.
These apps also support batch scanning and vCard codes.
7. Use Your Android/iPhone to Scan QR Codes Displayed on Your PC
If the PC methods seem inconvenient, simply use your phone.
Android
- Open Google Lens or the camera app.
- Point it at the QR code on your computer screen.
- Tap the result.
iPhone
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code.
- Tap the notification.
Fast, reliable, and always works—even for complex codes.
Wrapping Up
And that wraps up our comprehensive guide on how to scan a QR code on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you’re using the Camera app, Snipping Tool, your browser, or third-party tools, you now have multiple fast and reliable ways to scan any QR code directly from your PC.
