QR codes have become a very useful tool for all kinds of companies and situations, with a simple scan you can get all kinds of information, allowing users to access a link or page in a few seconds. They are even part of the process to enter WhatsApp Web . They have revolutionized the way to access browsers from the phone and now many wonder how a QR code can be read from the computer.
Reading Qr codes from the phone is already routine for many smartphone users. The mode of use may vary depending on the model and brand of the phone. Typically, it’s as simple as opening a specific app like Google Lens or even the camera and pointing. This will normally activate the QR on the phone and the information on it will be accessible. This leads users to wonder if it would be possible to read QR codes from the computer and the truth… We have some simpler tricks to make it a reality!
Contents
- 1How to read a QR code from the computer?
- 1For Windows users
- 2For MAC users
- 3For Linux users
How to read a QR code from the computer?
The first step to understand how to read a Qr code on the computer is to understand what this code is. These were born due to the limitations of conventional barcodes, which could only store 20 numeric characters, which made it difficult for them to store information of interest to users.
Qr codes encode information in two directions, up and down. This is a great advantage over traditional barcodes. Their function is very similar, they store a series of data that can be easily detected later, but Qr codes go a step further in the system and efficiency. They are fast, they store all kinds of information and their shape is designed to reduce waiting time during scanning . It is a discovery that is increasingly being applied in more sectors.
Now that you know more details about these codes, let’s go with the tricks so you can read them from your computer. Remember that these are simple and quick ways to do it, the idea is that all users can do it without wasting time trying.
For Windows users
If you have a computer with Windows 10 or 11 you can easily read a QR code, you just have to go to the Microsoft Store and download the QR Scanner Plus application . You must allow the application access to the camera function and from there, you can scan the QR. It couldn’t be simpler and the best thing is that the application is totally free.
If you do not have these updated versions of Windows, the task can be a bit complicated. If you can’t find an app available with your version of Windows, you can use an online QR code reader tool . You will only have to take the photo from your Smartphone and transfer it to the computer so that the program’s reader can analyze the encoded information. You will have it ready in 3 easy steps!
For MAC users
If you are a fan of Apple and trust Mac computers, the QR Code Reader may be the solution you need. This application is the most intuitive and fast, you only have to download and install it on your computer, so it can access the computer’s camera and scan the QR code from the computer .
It is essential that you allow the app to access the camera for it to work properly. Check it if it is giving you any other problem. It will also be of great help to keep the QR stable and do it in a well-lit place so that the reader can detect the structure correctly.
This application, as well as the one for Windows, includes a capture history , so that you can re-access the information or the linked websites at any time. This is a plus so you don’t lose access to important information on your computer and save yourself having to re-scan the code every time.
For Linux users
Downloading applications in Linux environment can be more complex, ZBar application can be used . But in case this is complicated, an online tool can be used. As we have mentioned before, you will only have to take a photo of the QR and pass it to the program so that it can read the content.
This may be faster and easier than the options available for Linux, as many applications are not supported, as they are with older versions of Windows. Currently, there are many online tools to do it and most of them are free, so it will not be a problem to use them to read a QR code from your computer. If you want, you can also learn in Tecnoguía How to scan documents with your Android or iPhone mobile .