QR Code Scanner for PC

How to scan a QR code on a PC or laptop

Updated October 30, 2026

You do not need a phone to scan a QR code on your computer. The right method depends on where the code is: on your screen, in a file or printed on paper.

Which method should you use?

Where the code isWhat to use
On your computer screenA desktop scanner with screen capture
In a saved image or screenshotA desktop QR code reader
On paper or another deviceA laptop camera or webcam
On paper, with nothing to downloadThe Windows Camera app

Scan a QR code on your computer screen

This is the method for codes in a browser, an email, a PDF viewer or a video call. Your camera cannot see your own screen, so the code is captured instead.

  1. Download the ZIP of QR Code Scanner for PC, extract it and run the app.
  2. On the Read screen, click Snipping Tool.
  3. Select the area with the QR code.
  4. Read the decoded result.

Scan a QR code from an image

Click Image File to open a picture, or Clipboard Image to read one you copied. There is a full walkthrough in our guide to scanning a QR code from an image.

Scan a QR code with a laptop camera or webcam

This suits printed codes, packaging and codes on another device.

  1. Open QR Code Scanner for PC, click Webcam and choose your camera.
  2. Hold the code in front of the lens until it fills a good part of the picture.
  3. Read the decoded result.

Good light and a steady hand help most. If your laptop camera struggles to focus, move the code slightly further away.

Use the Windows Camera app

If you only need to read a printed code once and do not want to download anything, try the Camera app. Look in its settings for the option to scan barcodes and QR codes, and then point the camera at the code. The setting can vary with your Windows version, and the app does not read codes from your screen or files.

Common questions

Can you scan a QR code on a laptop without a phone?

Yes. Use your laptop camera for a printed code, or a desktop QR code scanner for a code on your screen or in an image.

Does Windows have a built-in QR code scanner?

The Windows Camera app can read QR codes with its camera, if your PC has one and the barcode setting is available in your version. For codes on the screen or in a file, you need another tool.

How do you scan a QR code on your own computer screen?

You cannot point your PC camera at its own screen, so capture the code instead. A desktop scanner reads it through the Windows Snipping Tool.

Can you scan a QR code on a desktop PC with no webcam?

Yes. Screen capture, image files and the clipboard all work without a camera.

Scan QR codes on your PC for free

A desktop QR code scanner for Windows 10 and 11, with or without a webcam.

Download for Windows