How to scan a QR code on your computer
IONOS editorial team4 mins
QR codes aren’t just for smart phones. They can also be read using your PC. To do this, various programs and free online services are available.
What are QR code scanners for your PC?
The two-dimensional QR code is an important tool for encrypting and decrypting information. With this technology, data can be stored and shared in an efficient manner. After first being encrypted and stored, elements up to 177 x 177 can then be retrieved using a suitable scanner. A great deal of information can be transferred in this way.
QR code information can include shortened URLs, infographics, or audio files. It’s also a great alternative to OCR software. Retrieving QR code information can be done by scanning the QR code with a smartphone, or with a QR code reader on your PC.
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When can scanning a QR code on your PC be useful?
Usually, QR codes are read using smartphones. This method has established itself over the years and is especially common in marketing or in augmented reality in e-commerce. But if the QR encryption is embedded in an email and you want to use your PC to read the QR code, your phone won’t be of much help to you. It may also be the case that you have the code on your smartphone but need the information on your computer. Or maybe you don’t have a smartphone. Whatever your situation, knowing how to scan a QR code directly on your computer can be a great help.
The easiest way to do this is with a QR code generator. But there are also online programs you can use to scan a QR code with your PC.
QR code reader websites
There are many free websites that let you scan a QR code on your PC. In most cases, all you need to do is follow the steps below:
- Open the website.
- Activate your webcam so you scan the QR code from your computer. If you don’t have a webcam, you can upload a picture to the website. If necessary, make sure to mark the code’s location.
- Now, scan the QR code. The embedded information will be displayed immediately.
If the code is on your smartphone, you can create a screenshot and send it to your computer in an email. Then, upload the file and read the QR code on your PC.
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Using software to scan QR codes on your computer
If you want to regularly scan QR codes on your PC, you can also install a program. Many of these tools are free of charge. Various providers offer QR code tracking, but the most popular option is probably CodeTwo’s QR code desktop reader & generator. With this tool you have a QR code reader that works in Windows 10 you can create QR codes yourself. To scan a QR code with your PC, follow these steps:
- Download the program from the official provider.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Install the software using the setup assistant.
- Launch the program.
- You now have options to use the QR code reader on your PC. You can do this directly from the screen, via the webcam, via a saved image file, or from the clipboard. These options can all be found in the upper left corner of your screen. Select one and continue.
- Now you can scan the QR code from your PC.
If the attempt fails, it may be because your screen isn’t scaled to 100 percent. To fix this, go to your desktop, right-click, and select “Display Settings”. Under “Scaling and Arrangement”, set it to 100 percent. This is the recommended setting for such programs.
