Extract Text from Any Image with the Windows Photos App
Windows 11 hides a powerful OCR tool inside the Photos app that instantly pulls text from images. If you take screenshots, snap whiteboards, or store receipts as photos, this feature can save you hours of retyping.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 25, 2026
Have you ever stared at a screenshot and thought, “I just need that one paragraph”?
Maybe it was a Wi-Fi password, a quote from a PDF, or handwritten notes from a meeting.
Traditionally, that meant retyping everything or installing a third-party OCR tool.
Here's a Cool Tip: Use Windows Photos App to Extract Text.
Windows 11 now includes built-in text recognition inside the Photos app.
It works quietly in the background and makes text selectable and copyable directly from your images.
No subscription.
No browser extension.
No scanning app required.
For business users, and home users alike, this is one of those practical upgrades that removes friction from daily work.
What it is:
- The Windows Photos app in Windows 11 includes optical character recognition, or OCR, that detects text inside images and allows you to copy it.
How it works:
- When you open an image in Photos, the app analyzes the image for recognizable characters. If text is detected, a “Copy text” or “Scan text” option appears. You can select specific lines or copy all detected text.
Why it matters:
- Screenshots, scanned contracts, printed forms, whiteboards, and even photographed documents become searchable and editable. This eliminates retyping and reduces errors.
What You’ll Gain
Faster data entry from screenshots and photos
Fewer transcription errors
No need for third-party OCR tools
Instant copy and paste into Word, Excel, or email
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Windows 11 (Desktop)
- Double-click any image file to open it in the Photos app.
- If text is detected, you will see a “Scan text” or “Copy text” icon in the toolbar.
- Click “Scan text”.
- Drag your cursor over the portion you want.
- Click “Copy”.
- Paste into Word, Excel, Notepad, Teams, or anywhere else.
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fig. 1 - Copy Text from Any Image in Windows 11
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Tip: Use this on screenshots of web pages, error messages, or printed invoices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built into Windows 11.
- No subscription required.
- Fast and accurate for clear text.
- Works offline for many scenarios.
Cons
- Handwriting accuracy varies.
- Complex layouts may require cleanup.
- Feature visibility depends on Photos app version.
For business users, this replaces basic scanning software for everyday needs.
For home users, it simplifies digitizing printed information.
Platform: Windows 11.
App: Microsoft Photos.
Cost: Included with Windows 11.
Availability: Included in current Windows 11 Photos app versions.
If the icon does not appear, confirm your Photos app is updated via the Microsoft Store.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification
Eliminates manual retyping and works instantly inside a default Windows app.
Extremely simple interface; click, select, copy.
Not flashy, but deeply practical for daily productivity.
A quiet productivity powerhouse that competes with standalone OCR tools for everyday tasks.
Key Takeaways
Windows 11 hides powerful OCR directly inside the Photos app.
If you regularly take screenshots or photograph documents, this tool can save measurable time every week.
It is one of the most underrated productivity features in Windows.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: Text Extraction in Windows Photos
- Platform(s): Windows 11
- Quick Benefit: Copy text directly from any image
- Access Type: Free, built into Windows 11
Try It Yourself
Open any screenshot right now and look for the Scan Text icon in Photos.
Test it, paste the result into Word, and see how much time you save.
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.
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