Why does the browser ask for camera permission?

To show the webcam image; it is only used on your device.

What if my webcam is blurry up close?

Move the code further away or use the screenshot method.

Does Windows have its own scanner?

The Windows Camera app can read QR codes in its Barcode mode.

Scan a QR Code on PC or Laptop – Webcam or Screenshot

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): There are two easy ways on a Windows PC, Mac or laptop. If the code is on paper or a phone screen, press Scan with camera, allow camera access and hold the code in front of the webcam about 15 to 30 cm away. If the code is already on your screen, in an email, a PDF or a website, take a screenshot and paste it here with Ctrl+V. Either way the code is decoded in the browser, and you can copy the content or open the link.

Do it now, right here

Drop a QR code image here or choose a file

You can also paste a screenshot (Ctrl+V).

Step by step

Code on paper or phone: press Scan with camera.
Code on screen: screenshot it and paste with Ctrl+V.
Copy the result or open the link.

At a glance

Situation	Method	Tip
Code on a phone or paper	Webcam	Good light, 15–30 cm away
Code in an email or PDF	Screenshot and paste	Win+Shift+S on Windows
Code in a saved image	Drop or choose the file	Crop if it is small

How to scan a QR code on a PC or laptop

Do it now, right here

QR code content

Step by step

At a glance

Related questions

Why does the browser ask for camera permission?

What if my webcam is blurry up close?

Does Windows have its own scanner?

More questions: qr code scanner