Introduction
Many people think scanning QR codes is only possible with a phone. But what if you are on a PC or Mac and receive a QR code inside an email, a screenshot, or a slide deck? Installing third-party apps is unnecessary. You can scan QR codes directly online without downloads.
Method 1 — Upload an Image or Screenshot
- Go to Upload Scan
- Drag and drop your screenshot or image file into the upload box.
- The QR code will be decoded instantly in your browser.
Tips:
- Works with PNG, JPG, and WebP.
- You can also copy and paste a screenshot from your clipboard.
Method 2 — Use Your Webcam in the Browser
- Open Camera Scan
- Grant access to your webcam.
- Hold the QR code in front of the camera and wait for the result.
This makes your computer behave like a built-in QR code scanner without any extra apps.
Method 3 — Built-in System Options
- On macOS, Preview or Photos app can sometimes detect QR codes in images, but not always reliable.
- On Windows, the default Camera app does not decode QR codes by itself. Using an online tool is faster and more consistent.
Privacy and Security
All decoding happens locally in your browser. Images are not uploaded to any server. This ensures your data remains private.
Common Questions
Q1: Do I need to install software?
A: No. Both methods work directly in the browser.
Q2: Does it work offline?
A: You need internet to load the page, but decoding runs in-browser.
Q3: Is it free?
A: Yes. The tool is free to use with no ads.
Conclusion
Scanning a QR code on PC or Mac without an app is simple:
- Upload an image or screenshot
- Use your webcam directly in the browser
- Enjoy instant, private, free results
Try it now:
Go to Scan Page
Try Our Free QR Scanner Tools
Want to put these tips into practice?
- Use our Camera QR Scanner to scan instantly with your webcam.
- Try the Upload QR Code Tool to decode images and screenshots.
- Or visit the Main Scan Page for all features in one place.
Fast, private, and 100% free — start scanning QR codes now.
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