While scanning QR codes on your smartphone is a common practice, many users are unaware that you can easily scan them on your laptop or desktop computer too. Accessing QR codes directly from your laptop can be surprisingly convenient. This guide will walk you through several straightforward methods to scan QR codes on your laptop, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle them no matter the device you’re using.
Method 1: Scanning QR Codes with Google Chrome
Google Chrome users benefit from a built-in feature that simplifies QR code scanning. This method is quick and efficient, perfect for when you encounter a QR code online.
To scan a QR code using Google Chrome:
- Right-click on the QR code image. If you encounter a QR code image online, simply right-click directly on the image.
- Select “Search Image with Google”. From the context menu that appears, choose the option labeled “Search Image with Google.”
Illustration of a QR code. (Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash)
Alt text: A close-up image of a black and white QR code, showcasing its intricate square pattern, relevant to scanning instructions.
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Review the QR Code Details in Google Lens. A Google Lens panel will open on the right side of your browser window. At the top of this panel, you’ll see the QR code image you selected. Directly below it, you’ll find “QR Code: Text” followed by the decoded text contained within the QR code.
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Open Links Directly. If the scanned text is a website link, Chrome will conveniently display a button to “Open link,” allowing you to navigate to the URL immediately.
For those who prefer using other browsers, or need to scan a QR code that isn’t directly on a webpage in Chrome, you can still leverage Google Lens:
- Go to Google Images. Open your preferred browser and navigate to Google.com, then click on “Images” to access Google Images.
- Click the “Search by image” icon. This camera icon is located on the right side of the search bar.
- Upload or Paste Image URL. You’ll be presented with options to either “Upload an image” or “Paste image URL.” Choose the method that suits where your QR code image is located.
- Google Lens will Decode. Regardless of the method you choose, Google Lens will open and present you with the decoded QR code information, just as it does in Chrome.
Method 2: Using Your Laptop’s Webcam to Scan QR Codes
If your laptop is equipped with a webcam, you can use it as a QR code scanner. This is especially useful for scanning QR codes from physical objects or from a second screen.
For Windows 10 and Windows 11 Users:
Windows users can utilize the built-in “Camera” application to scan QR codes:
- Open the Camera App. Click on the Start Menu and type “Camera” to find and open the Camera application.
- Select the QR Code Scanning Option. Within the Camera app interface, look for a QR code icon or option. Click on this to activate QR code scanning mode.
- Position the QR Code. Hold the QR code in front of your laptop’s webcam. Ensure it’s clearly visible and within the camera’s frame.
- Capture and Decode. The Camera app will automatically detect and scan the QR code. The decoded information will typically be displayed on the screen, and if it’s a link, you’ll often get a prompt to open it in your browser.
For MacOS Users:
Unfortunately, MacOS doesn’t have a native camera application with built-in QR code scanning. However, a free and effective solution is available:
- Download QR Journal. Visit the Mac App Store and download the free application “QR Journal.”
- Open QR Journal. Once installed, launch the QR Journal application.
- Scan with Webcam. QR Journal uses your Mac’s webcam to scan QR codes. Simply hold the QR code up to your webcam, and QR Journal will quickly scan and decode it, displaying the content on your screen.
These methods offer versatile ways to scan QR codes directly on your laptop, whether you are using Windows or MacOS. From leveraging browser features to utilizing your webcam, scanning QR codes on your laptop is now just as easy as on your smartphone, enhancing your digital accessibility and efficiency.
