How to Scan QR Code on Laptop?

QR codes have become a new trend. From lunch menus to discounts, from WhatsApp to other apps, everywhere we can see the use of these codes. Do you know that your smartphone is not the only device that can be used to scan this now? Fortunately, this task can be done by your laptops and PC too, and that too, effectively.

If you are wondering how you can do it, you have come to the correct place. Here we are going to explain the process in a couple of simple steps which will allow you to easily scan the QR Code on your Laptop.

Scanning QR Code on Windows

Now computers are already equipped with a built-in QR code scanning feature that is present in the native camera application. You can follow these steps to scan it from your device.

  1. First of all, you will have to open the Windows search menu and this will be done by clicking the search bar or you can also press Win + S.
  2. For the second step, you have to type "Camera" into the search box and then select the Camera application from the results shown.
  3. Now, you need to keep a lookout for the “Barcode” option in the app’s right-hand menu and then click it.
  4. For the last step, you have to position the QR right in front of the camera of your portable computer. The application is going to automatically detect it and scan it.

Scanning on macOS

Unlike Windows, unfortunately, macOS does not come with a native QR scanner. However, we do have third-party applications like QR Journal that can easily handle this task. Here are the steps of how you can do this on a macOS:

  1. You have to pay a visit to the Apple App Store and then proceed to download QR Journal or a similar QR scanning app.
  2. You can launch the application after it is installed.
  3. Now, you have to click the “Scan” option to activate the webcam on your machine.
  4. When you are done with this, you need to hold the QR in front of your camera until the app recognizes it.
  5. For the final step, you have to follow the link or access the content associated with the scanned item.

Scanning QR Codes from Images or Screenshots

Now, if you do not have an official QR code and it is only existing in the form of a screenshot or image file, you may be worried about how to do it. Well, you can scan it pretty easily as well without much hassle. However, you should know that the process usually varies slightly and depends on the computer as well as the operating system.

On Android Devices

To scan from an Android device, you are going to need Google Lens. Most Android devices have integrated Google Lens into their native gallery app - however, if yours does not have it - you can always download it from the Play Store in a couple of simple and easy steps.

  1. First of all, you need to head over to the Google Lens app and then open it.
  2. Then, the second step is making a selection of the image that contains the particular QR code.
  3. Now, you have to be a little patient and wait for the application to scan the code automatically.
  4. Finally, you can tap on the notification to open the link or access the related content.

Alternatively, you can also use other third-party QR code scanning apps. However, ensure you download a trusted app so that you can avoid security risks.

On iPhone

You should know that getting these QRs scanned from images is just as straightforward on an iPhone as it is on Android. Here, you can use Google Photos or accomplish the task directly without any third-party apps. Here are the steps using Google Photos:

  1. Head over to the Google Photos app and then open it.
  2. If there is a prompt for access to the photos, you need to grant it.
  3. Now, you have to select the image with the QR code.
  4. You have to tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen and then wait for the app to process.
  5. Finally, you have to tap on the link notification to access the associated content.

On PC (Windows or macOS)

Now, to do this from your PC, you are going to need to use either external apps or browser extensions. Follow these steps:

  1. You have to install a QR code scanning extension like in your preferred browser.
  2. Then, in most extensions, you have to right-click on the QR code image and then proceed to make a selection from the menu that is: Read QR code from the image.
  3. The extension is going to analyze the code and then display two options for you:
  • If it contains a link, you will see a new tab opening.
  • For other content types, the data will pop up in a window.
  • Click “OK” to copy the content to your clipboard if needed.

Staying Secure While Using QR Codes

While most of you know that QR are quite useful, not everyone knows that they can also pose security risks if they are not used in a cautious manner. Here are some best practices to ensure that you have a safe usage:

  • You should always avoid scanning these from unknown or suspicious locations.
  • You have to make sure that you do not open links generated by QR codes that seem dubious or untrustworthy.
  • You should always double-check the URL before proceeding. Most of these scanners display the URL in a notification before they will be able to redirect you.
  • You should always stick to your device’s built-in scanner whenever possible. If you must use a third-party app, make sure that you see that it is well-reviewed and secure.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use your PC, laptop, or mobile device to scan QR codes, whether they are physical or digital. You can do this process with ease without having to depend on either the physical or the digital ones.