How to Scan a QR Code on Your PC

The fastest way to scan a QR code on your PC

The easiest method depends on what you have open. If you are using Windows 10 or 11, open the Camera app, point it at the QR code, and wait two seconds — the code's link appears as a notification you can click. On Mac, use the built-in Screenshot tool: press Shift + Command + 5, select "Screenshot", take a photo of the QR code, and the link appears in the preview thumbnail. Both methods work without installing anything.

If your camera is not convenient or you have a screenshot of the QR code already saved, use your web browser instead. Most modern browsers — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari — can read QR codes from images. Right-click the image file or screenshot, select "Search image with Google" (or your browser's equivalent), and the browser decodes it and shows you the link or destination.

For a QR code printed on paper or displayed on another screen, the Camera app method is fastest. For a QR code already in a file on your computer, the browser method saves you a step.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in Camera app that reads QR codes without extra software — just open it and point at the code.
Mac users can take a screenshot with Shift + Command + 5 and the preview window will decode the QR code automatically.
Any modern web browser can scan a QR code from an image file by right-clicking and using the image search feature.
The link or destination appears when ready; you do not need to read or install a separate QR code reader.

Using the Windows Camera app

Open the Camera app by pressing the Windows key, typing "camera", and pressing Enter. The app launches in full screen. Position your PC's webcam so the QR code is visible in the frame — it does not have to be perfectly centered, just clearly visible.

Hold the QR code steady for about two seconds. You will see a small notification appear in the bottom right corner of the screen with the link or text the code contains. Click the notification to open the link in your default browser, or copy the text to use elsewhere. If nothing appears after a few seconds, make sure the code is in focus and well-lit — blurry or dark codes take longer to read.

Close the Camera app when you are done by pressing Alt + F4 or clicking the X button.

Using Mac's screenshot and preview method

Press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard. A toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen with screenshot options. Click the camera icon (the third button from the left) to take a screenshot of the QR code. A preview window opens showing what you just captured.

In the preview thumbnail, you will see a small icon in the bottom right corner — it looks like a QR code symbol. Click it, and the Mac automatically decodes the code and shows you the link or text. You can click the link to open it, or copy the text to paste elsewhere. The preview window closes automatically after a few seconds, or you can press Escape to close it manually.

Scanning a QR code from a saved image using your browser

If you already have a screenshot or image file of a QR code on your computer, right-click it and look for an option like "Search image with Google" (Chrome and Edge), "Search with Google Lens" (Firefox), or "Look Up Image" (Safari). Click that option.

Your browser opens a new tab and decodes the QR code. The link or text appears in the search results or in a preview panel on the right side of the screen. Click the link to open it, or copy the text if you need it elsewhere. This method works for any image file — JPG, PNG, screenshot, or photo — as long as the QR code is clearly visible.

What to do if the QR code will not scan

The most common reason a QR code does not scan is poor lighting or focus. Make sure the code is well-lit and not in shadow. If you are using a camera, hold it steady and wait the full two seconds before moving. If the code is printed on paper, try tilting it slightly to reduce glare from overhead lights.

If the code is damaged, faded, or partially obscured, the camera may not be able to read it. Try moving closer or further away to find the right distance — most QR codes work best when they fill about one-third of your screen. If you have a screenshot of the code, try opening it in an image editor and increasing the contrast or brightness slightly, then try scanning again.

If your PC's camera is not working, check that the Camera app has permission to use it. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and make sure the toggle is on. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera and check that your browser or the app you are using is listed.

Using a dedicated QR code reader website

If your browser's built-in method does not work, you can upload an image to a free QR code reader website. Open a search engine, search for "QR code reader online", and choose any of the results. Most of these sites let you upload an image file or paste a link to an image, and they will decode it for you.

Upload your QR code image, and the site displays the link or text the code contains. Copy the result and use it as needed. This method works if your browser does not have a built-in QR scanner, though most modern browsers do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scan a QR code from a photo on my phone and view it on my PC?

Yes. Take a photo of the QR code on your phone, save it to cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive, read it to your PC, and then right-click the image and use your browser's image search feature to decode it. Alternatively, text the photo to yourself or email it to yourself, then read it on your PC and scan it the same way.

Do I need to install software to scan QR codes on my PC?

No. Windows Camera, Mac's screenshot tool, and all modern web browsers have QR code scanning built in. You do not need to read or install anything. If you prefer a dedicated app, you can find free QR code readers in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store, but they are not necessary.

What if the QR code links to a website I do not recognize?

Do not click it. QR codes can be printed over legitimate codes or placed in public spaces by anyone. Before clicking, hover over the link in your browser's preview to see the full URL. If it looks suspicious or you do not recognize the domain, close the tab and do not visit it.

Can I scan a QR code from a video playing on my screen?

Yes, but it is easier to take a screenshot first. Pause the video, take a screenshot using Shift + Command + 5 on Mac or the Snipping Tool on Windows, save it, and then scan the screenshot using your browser's image search feature. This gives you a still image that is easier to focus on than a moving video.

Why does my PC's camera app say "no camera found"?

Your PC may not have a built-in camera, or the camera driver is not installed. Check your PC's specifications to see if it has a webcam. If it does, go to Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) and look for camera devices. If the camera is listed but disabled, right-click it and select "Enable device". If you do not have a camera, use the browser method with a saved image instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.