How To Windows

How to Scan QR Codes on a Windows PC

By Arpita 5 min read
Recommended: Download Windows Speedup Tool to quickly fix PC issues.

QR codes are everywhere — on product packaging, websites, payment screens, and even your TV. These square, pixelated codes can instantly open links, share contact details, or connect you to Wi-Fi.

While scanning QR codes is easy on smartphones, many users don’t realize you can scan QR codes directly on a Windows 11 PC too — without needing your phone.

In this guide, we’ll show you all the best ways to scan QR codes on a Windows PC, using built-in tools, browsers, and free apps.

1. What Is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a type of barcode that stores information like URLs, contact details, or Wi-Fi credentials. When you scan it, your device decodes the pattern and takes an action — like opening a website or downloading a file.

Windows 11 doesn’t include a native QR scanner, but you can easily scan them using a webcam, browser, or third-party apps.

2. Scan QR Codes Using the Camera App

If your PC or laptop has a webcam, you can use the built-in Camera app to scan QR codes with the help of Windows PowerToys.

  1. Install Microsoft PowerToys:
  2. Open PowerToys and enable the PowerToys Run and Text Extractor modules.
  3. Launch the Camera app from the Start menu.
  4. Hold the QR code up to your webcam until it appears clearly on screen.
  5. Then, use an online QR reader to extract the link from the captured image (see below).

Note: PowerToys doesn’t include a built-in QR reader yet, but you can easily take a snapshot using the Camera app and decode it using a browser or third-party tool.

3. Scan QR Codes Directly in Microsoft Edge

If you use Microsoft Edge, you can scan QR codes from images or webpages without installing anything else.

Option 1: Use Edge’s Built-in “Create QR Code” Feature (for URLs)

This feature is primarily for creating and sharing QR codes but can help decode existing ones.

Option 2: Use Online QR Code Scanners in Edge

  1. Open Edge and go to a reliable online QR scanner, such as:
  2. Allow the website to access your camera.
  3. Hold your QR code in front of your webcam.
  4. The decoded link or text will appear instantly.

This method works on both desktops and laptops with a webcam.

4. Use Google Chrome or Firefox with Online QR Scanners

Just like in Edge, you can use Chrome or Firefox to scan QR codes online.

  1. Open your browser and visit an online scanner, such as:
  2. Grant permission for the website to access your webcam.
  3. Hold your QR code steady until the scanner detects it.
  4. Once scanned, it will show the result — usually a link or text snippet.

You can click the link directly to open it or copy the text for later use.

5. Scan QR Codes from Images on Your PC

If you’ve already saved a QR code image (like a screenshot or photo), you can decode it without using your webcam.

Method 1: Use an Online Decoder

  1. Visit an image-based QR code decoder like:
  2. Click Choose File and upload the QR code image.
  3. Click Submit.
  4. The decoded text or link will appear below.

Method 2: Use a Free App

You can use Windows Store apps such as:

  • QR Code for Windows 10 (by Zint)
  • CodeTwo QR Code Desktop Reader
  • QR Scanner Plus

These apps let you drag and drop images or use your webcam to read QR codes instantly.

6. Use Microsoft PowerToys (Advanced Users)

If you frequently scan QR codes, PowerToys can help you streamline the process with its PowerToys Run feature.

You can:

  • Take screenshots of QR codes with Snipping Tool.
  • Configure PowerToys to automatically send the image to an online decoder.

This setup works great for advanced users who want a seamless, keyboard-driven workflow.

7. Scan QR Codes from Your Android or iPhone and Send to PC

If your PC doesn’t have a webcam, you can still scan QR codes using your smartphone and instantly open them on your Windows 11 device.

Option 1: Using “Phone Link”

  1. Install Phone Link on your Windows 11 PC (preinstalled on most systems).
  2. Link your Android phone using the Link to Windows app.
  3. Scan the QR code using your phone’s camera.
  4. Use the Share option → choose Send to PC via Phone Link.

Option 2: Copy and Send via Clipboard Sync

If you use Microsoft Edge on both devices:

  1. Scan the QR code on your phone.
  2. Copy the link.
  3. Use Edge’s Continue on PC feature to open it directly on your Windows PC.

8. Use a Browser Extension

If you scan QR codes frequently, installing a browser extension can save time.

Recommended Extensions:

  • QR Code Reader (by Smart Software) – for Chrome and Edge.
  • QR Code Detector – decodes QR images directly from the browser.
  • ScanQR – works offline and supports multiple code formats.

Here’s how:

  1. Open your browser’s extensions store.
  2. Search for “QR code reader” or “QR scanner.”
  3. Click Add to Browser.
  4. Once installed, click the extension icon to open or decode QR images.

9. Bonus: Generate and Scan QR Codes in Windows Terminal

If you like experimenting, you can generate and scan QR codes using PowerShell commands or Python scripts.

For example, with Python and the qrcode and pyzbar libraries, you can both create and read QR codes directly from the terminal.

pip install qrcode[pil] pyzbar opencv-python

Then use a short Python script to decode saved QR images.

This is useful for developers or IT professionals who frequently handle QR codes in workflows.

10. Troubleshooting Tips

If your QR code isn’t being detected:

  • Ensure your webcam or external camera is properly connected and not in use by another app.
  • Make sure the lighting is good and the QR code isn’t blurred or tilted.
  • Clean your camera lens if you’re using a laptop webcam.
  • If decoding from an image, make sure the QR code is complete and not cropped.

Wrapping Up

While Windows 11 doesn’t include a dedicated QR code scanner, there are plenty of easy ways to scan QR codes on a PC — whether using your browser, webcam, saved image, or third-party app.

For most users, the simplest methods are:

  • Using a web-based QR scanner like WebQR.
  • Uploading QR images to a decoder site like ZXing.
  • Installing a QR Reader app from the Microsoft Store for offline use.

With these options, you can quickly decode QR codes right from your Windows 11 computer — no phone required.

Arpita

With a background in Computer Science, she is passionate about sharing practical programming tips and tech know-how. From writing clean code to solving everyday tech problems, she breaks down complex topics into approachable guides that help others learn and grow.