How to scan QR code from PC

QR codes are everywhere. They’re quick gateways to hidden treasures of information, and all you need to access them is a camera phone. However, sometimes you find yourself without it. Also, you may be looking at a QR code on your laptop, but not be able to scan it in the usual way.

Fortunately, there are more ways to read codes than scanning them with a camera. QR codes can be read from a PC, here are some tips on how to handle them.

How to scan QR codes on PC without a camera

Scanning a QR code with a camera is the primary way to interact with a QR code. However, accessing information on a QR package can also be dangerous in a practical sense. The camera scans the QR code and takes you directly to the web location provided in the image. In doing so, they can put you at risk of infecting your device with malware. That’s the only reason to risk scanning the code and hoping for the best.

As mentioned earlier, accessing codes from a PC does not require a camera. To securely access content provided by QR codes from your computer, all you need is a web browser with security extensions. What’s more, you can also use Google apps, or eventually third-party apps designed for code reading. We will explain this further in the article.

Scan QR code from PC with browser

QR codes can be accessed through various websites designed specifically for reading QR codes. One is Web QR, which allows you to read QR codes using browser-based software. These solutions are great for decoding when you can’t install third-party programs on your PC for whatever reason.

Here’s how to use it to scan a QR code without enabling access to the camera.

Once on the site, you’ll see a message about the site wanting to use your camera. Disable this option by clicking the “X” button in the dialog. Also, let’s say you intend to use the site further in the future. In this case, you can permanently block access to the camera.

After disabling the camera option, you can start reading the code. Follow the steps provided:

1. Upload an image version of the QR code to your PC.
2. On the website, click the camera icon to the right of the “General Box”.
   
3. Select the “Choose File” button.
   
4. Find your QR code image file and click the “Open” button.
   
5. Once the code is uploaded, the website will automatically read the code.
   
6. Visit the provided link embedded in the QR code.
   

This is how you read a QR code with a web browser. It’s quick and straightforward, and doesn’t require a camera.

Read QR codes directly from web pages

Also, if you want to make sure that QR codes don’t infect your PC with any malware or unwanted intrusions, install an add-on in your browser. Chrome users can opt for the QR Reader browser extension, which will read any QR code in an image. This extension will enable you to read QR codes on your PC directly from websites without using external camera-based devices.

In addition to reading codes, it can help you check codes for malicious content and protect your device from attacks lurking between pixels.

Here’s how to apply QRreader to the QR codes you encounter in your PC-based web browser.

1. Right click on the code. A drop-down menu will open.
   
2. Select “Read QR code from image”.
   
3. The extension will read the code and give you two options:
   
   • If the code provides you with a link, a new tab will open.
   • Any other content type will pop up in the window.
4. Select OK to copy the data to the clipboard.
   

Use Google Lens on PC to Read QR Codes Without a Camera

Google Lens is a versatile tool. While primarily camera-based, its functionality allows you to scan and identify things by uploading images. The app uses a neural network to analyze images or the environment a camera can scan and match impressions with search results.

Google Lens has a desktop version of the app that runs on Windows 7, 8, 10 and Mac computers. The app also allows you to scan QR codes. Before using the app, make sure you have Google Lens enabled on your Chrome browser.

However, the feature is currently still in beta. Therefore, you must first enable it in Google Chrome’s “flags” mode, which is used for experimental features.

When you encounter a QR code while browsing in a PC-based browser, please follow the steps provided to scan it:

1. Open Google Chrome on your PC.
   
2. Type chrome://flags into the search bar and press enter.
   
3. Press “Ctrl+F” to use the word search field. Type in “Google Lenses”.
   
4. Find the “Search screen with Google Lens” logo in the search bar.
   
5. Click the drop-down menu and select Enabled.
   
6. Click the “Restart” button to restart Chrome.
   
7. Open Chrome again.
   
8. Go to the relevant website where the QR code you want to scan is located.
   
9. Right-click on the code and select the “Search images using Google Lens” option from the drop-down menu.
   
10. The Google Lens interface will give you a summary of the results.
    

The app also allows you to upload images directly from your PC, including QR codes. Before using Google Lens, make sure you have uploaded the QR code image to Google Photos first. Import photos from your PC or Google Drive.

To apply Google Lens on a QR code, if you want to upload directly from your PC, follow these steps:

1. Visit Google Photos and click the “Upload” icon.
   
2. If you want to import images from a PC, click Computer.
   
3. Click “Open” to upload.
   
4. Alternatively, find the code image in the library (if it already exists).
5. Find the newly uploaded code image and select it.
   
6. Right-click on the image and select “Search Images Using Google Lens.”
   
7. The Google Lens panel will show you the results.
   

Note that this option is still marked as “in development”, which means your results may vary and some options may be limited. These features may not work properly on some devices and may negatively affect your browser’s performance. Google Lens QR Scanner actually works best on the mobile version of the app. It also allows you to scan codes without a camera by uploading an image from the gallery.

The multifaceted nature of QR scanning

QR codes are versatile and there are many ways to approach them. Many software solutions designed for visual decoding allow access to encrypted content without a camera. These apps simulate the deciphering offered by Lens and understand the language of the QR code.

However, be careful when trying different QR readers. Although QR codes allow for several methods, use the method that enables safe interaction with what the code provides.

How to scan a QR code from a PC without a camera? Feel free to leave your impressions in the comments section below.