QR codes have become ubiquitous in recent years, providing a quick and convenient way to encode information such as website URLs, contact details, or product information. While most people use their smartphones to scan QR codes, you may sometimes find yourself needing to scan a code but only having your computer handy. Fortunately, there are a few different methods you can use to scan QR codes on a PC.
Using your webcam
One of the easiest ways to scan a QR code on your desktop or laptop is to use your built-in webcam. Most modern webcams, even low resolution ones, are capable of scanning QR codes as long as there is sufficient lighting and the code is clear in the camera’s viewfinder.
To scan a code with your webcam:
- Open your default camera or video call app, such as the Camera app in Windows 10 or Zoom.
- Position your webcam so the QR code is clearly visible in the center of the camera view.
- Many apps will automatically recognize and scan the QR code, taking you directly to the encoded URL or content.
- If auto scan is not enabled, look for a QR scanning option in your camera app settings or menu bar. Selecting this will detect and scan any codes visible to the camera.
Scanning QR codes with your built-in webcam is quick and convenient, but lack of autofocus and lower resolution on some webcams can make it difficult to capture small or blurry codes.
QR scanner software
Dedicated QR scanning software provides the most reliable way to scan codes on a desktop or laptop computer. QR scanner apps use your webcam to capture codes, but also include focused QR scanning algorithms and the ability to manually adjust scanning to capture difficult codes.
Popular free QR scanner apps for Windows and Mac include:
- QR Code Reader for Windows
- QR Code Scanner for Mac
- QR Code Monkey (cross-platform)
Many free apps contain ads, but paid versions typically offer ad-free scanning. Advanced QR scanner apps also include the ability to generate your own QR codes and manage/share scanning history.
To scan with a dedicated QR scanner app:
- Download and install your chosen QR scanner app.
- Open the app and allow access to your device’s webcam when prompted.
- Position your webcam to focus on the QR code. The app will automatically detect and scan codes in view.
- If needed, use the app’s tools to manually adjust focus, stabilize, or enhance scanning to capture difficult codes.
QR scanner software provides reliable scanning capabilities tuned specifically for code scanning on desktop webcams.
Browser extensions
QR scanner extensions or add-ons for popular web browsers like Chrome and Firefox offer another quick option for occasional scanning needs on your computer. These extensions add QR scanning directly to your browser using your webcam.
To scan codes using a browser extension:
- Install a QR scanner extension for your browser, such as QR Scanner for Chrome.
- When you visit a webpage with a QR code, click the extension’s icon in your browser toolbar.
- Allow the extension to access your webcam and manually position your webcam over the code.
- The extension will automatically scan the code and take you to the encoded URL or content.
Browser-based scanning is fast and convenient, but requires a clear image for reliable scans. Extensions like QR Scanner also allow generating custom QR codes directly within your browser.
Online QR scanners
You can scan QR codes on your computer using online QR scanner websites and apps, without needing to download any software. Online scanners use your device’s webcam to capture and scan codes through your browser.
To use an online QR scanner:
- Go to an online scanning site such as qrscanner.com or online-barcode-reader.inliteresearch.com.
- Allow the site to access your device’s camera when prompted.
- Position your webcam view over the QR code to scan it.
- The online scanner will automatically detect and decode the QR code.
Online scanners offer quick, hassle-free scanning, but typically have limited features compared to downloaded QR scanner apps and browser extensions.
Scanning from an image file
If you have an image file containing a QR code, such as a screenshot or photo, you can scan the code directly from the image using most of the QR scanner apps and websites mentioned above.
To scan a QR code image file on your computer:
- Open your chosen QR scanning app or website.
- Find the option to scan an image file and select the QR code image on your computer.
- The app or site will scan and decode the QR code from the image file contents.
Scanning QR codes from image files provides flexibility when the code cannot be directly captured using your webcam.
Using a mobile device
In situations where scanning a code directly with your PC webcam is inconvenient, you can also use your smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code, then view the resulting URL or content on your computer:
- Open the QR scanner app on your mobile device.
- Scan the QR code using the mobile app’s camera and follow the encoded link.
- The resulting webpage or content will typically open on your mobile browser.
- To view the content on your computer instead, email or message the URL link to yourself and open it on your desktop browser.
Leveraging your mobile device for scanning can provide greater flexibility for hard-to-capture codes.
Tips for scanning success
Follow these tips when scanning QR codes on your desktop or laptop to ensure successful scans:
- Position your monitor and webcam so the QR code is directly in front of the camera. Centering the code in the viewfinder is ideal.
- Provide adequate lighting on the QR code to make sure it is crisp and clear in the camera view.
- Try scanning from 6-12 inches away for best focus on most webcams.
- Hold codes still instead of waving them around for faster recognition.
- Use manual focus tools in your scanning app to optimize clarity for small or blurry codes.
- Clean smudges, obstructions, or glare off the QR code surface for better scans.
- Increase contrast on gray or unevenly lit codes by putting a white background behind them.
Taking a few seconds to optimize positioning, lighting, and focus will ensure fast, accurate QR code scans using your computer.
Conclusion
Scanning QR codes on a desktop or laptop is simple using the webcam and the right software or extensions. Dedicated QR scanner apps provide the most robust scanning capabilities for desktop webcams. But browser-based scanners, online tools, and even your mobile device camera can also be used for occasional QR code scans on your computer. With the right app or tool, QR codes can be easily scanned on PCs for convenient access to encoded content.