QR codes are everywhere these days – on products, advertisements, business cards, and more. Scanning a QR code on your PC allows you to quickly open web links, view contact details, or access other information encoded in the code. While phones have built-in QR scanners, scanning codes on a desktop or laptop is just as easy with the right tools.
What is a QR code?
QR code stands for “Quick Response” code. It is a type of barcode that can be read by smartphones and dedicated QR reading devices. QR codes encode data in a machine-readable format. When scanned, they typically direct the device to a website, contact details, app download links, or text.
QR codes are square in shape and contain a unique pattern of black and white squares. This pattern contains encoded data including the URL, numeric information, or text. The amount of data a QR code can store depends on its size and level of error correction. Typically a QR code can store a few thousand characters.
Why would I want to scan a QR code on my PC?
Here are some common reasons you may want to scan a QR code using your desktop or laptop:
- Open a website URL – QR codes often contain web links so you can quickly view them on your PC.
- Access contact details – Get someone’s phone, email, social media from their QR code.
- View text information – QR codes can contain plaintext that you can easily read on your PC.
- Open a location in maps – QR codes may have geo-coordinates encoded to open a location.
- Connect to a WiFi network – QR codes can store WiFi SSID and password for easy access.
- See details of a product or advertisement – QR codes on products often provide additional information.
- Make payments – Some QR codes initiate digital wallet payments when scanned.
Being able to scan QR codes on your PC allows you to easily access this information on the large screen without having to use your mobile device. This can be more convenient in many situations.
How to scan a QR code on Windows PC
There are a few easy ways to scan a QR code using your Windows laptop or desktop. Here are the main methods:
Using your webcam
One of the quickest ways is to scan the QR code using your webcam:
- Open the Camera app in Windows. You can search for it or find it in the Start menu.
- Point your webcam at the QR code at a reasonable distance.
- The app will automatically detect and scan the code.
- A notification will appear with the contents of the code. Click the notification to open the link or details.
The built-in Camera app has integrated QR scanning capabilities in Windows 10 and 11. As long as your have a working webcam, you can simply open the app and scan codes without needing any additional software.
Using a QR scanner app
Alternatively, you can get dedicated QR code scanner apps for Windows such as:
These apps provide QR scanning capabilities as well as some additional features. For example:
- Batch scanning multiple codes
- Creating your own QR codes
- Scanning history
- Encryption and password protection
The process of scanning a code using these apps is quite simple:
- Install and open the app.
- Point your camera at the QR code to scan it.
- The app will detect and scan the code automatically.
- You’ll see the contents of the code on your screen right away.
Dedicated scanner apps provide a few more options compared to the built-in camera app. But the scanning process remains quick and easy.
Using online QR scanners
You can also use online QR code scanners if you don’t want to install any apps:
- Go to a website like QR Code Detector or QR Code Scanner Online.
- Allow the site to access your webcam when prompted.
- Hold the QR code up to your webcam to scan it.
- The site will detect and scan the code, showing you the contents instantly.
Online scanners work directly in your browser without needing to install anything. This gives you an easy scanning option, but the process may be a little slower than dedicated apps.
How to scan a QR code on Mac
Scanning QR codes on a Mac is very simple using the built-in Camera app:
- Open the Camera app on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or Launchpad.
- Hover over the QR code in the camera viewfinder to scan it.
- A notification will pop up showing the contents of the QR code.
- Click the notification to open the link or details.
The Camera app automatically detects and scans QR codes without needing any additional software. As long as you have a functioning camera, you can easily scan codes in a few seconds using this method.
If you want more control, there are alsoQR scanner apps available for Mac such as:
These provide some extra options like generating QR codes, encryption, and scanning history. But for most purposes, the built-in Camera app works great.
How to scan a QR code on Chromebook
Scanning QR codes on Chromebooks can be done in a few quick steps:
- Open the camera using the app launcher or shortcut Search + Tab.
- Point the camera at the QR code to automatically scan it.
- A notification will appear with the code contents. Click it to open the details.
The built-in camera on Chromebooks can scan QR codes easily. As long as the camera is enabled, you don’t need any additional apps or extensions.
For more flexibility, you can also install QR scanner apps from the Google Play store such as:
These apps allow you to generate custom QR codes and scan codes in batches. But the extra functionality may not be needed for casual scanning.
Tips for scanning QR codes on PC
Here are some tips to scan QR codes successfully on your Windows, Mac or Chromebook:
- Get close enough to the code – Don’t try to scan from too far away or at an angle.
- Scan codes in good lighting – Low light makes it harder for cameras to read the code.
- Hold your hand steady – Shakiness can disrupt the scanning process.
- Scan only one code – Ensure there are no other QR codes in the camera frame.
- Use the flash if needed – Turn on flash in low light conditions.
- Try scanning at multiple angles – Adjust your position relative to the code.
- Crop out extra background – Get closer or zoom in on just the QR code if possible.
Following these tips will help your computer’s camera successfully recognize and scan the QR codes you want to open.
Conclusion
Scanning QR codes on desktop or laptop computers is a breeze thanks to built-in webcam support across Windows, Mac and Chrome OS. The camera apps can automatically detect and scan QR codes from your screen. For added flexibility, you can also use app-based or online QR scanners. With the right tools, you’ll be opening QR-coded links, contacts, and more in just a few seconds on your PC.