Do you want to detect and copy text from your photos on Windows 11 with ease? Fortunately, thanks to the modern development of technology, it is relatively easy to extract the text from the images. This can be sticky notes on the whiteboard, a business card with several written on it, or any plain text from any scanned document.

In Windows 11, there are several ways of achieving this effectively and efficiently. Read through this guide to learn some common causes of potential problems and different approaches to extracting text without interference.

How to Detect and Copy Text from Your Photos on Windows 11

Method 1: Extract Text from Images Using the Snipping Tool

One of the differences in the application of the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is that it is now capable of selecting texts.

1. To use the Snipping Tool, press the Windows key + shift + S; select the part with the text you want to copy.

2. Click “Text actions” after you have captured it (it is only available in the newer versions).

text actions in snipping tool

3. Select the text and then right-click and paste it on the application of your choice.

Extract Text from Images Using the Snipping Tool

Method 2: Extract Text from Images Using Photos App

Another feature of the new interface of Windows 11 is smart text recognition in the Photos app.

1. You have to open the image using the Photos app with a simple double-click on the picture. Notice, that there is an icon called ‘Copy Text’ located at the top right of the page (as is seen in the updated versions of the sites).

2. Select the width of the text that is copied, right-click the mouse, and click ‘copy’ to transfer the text.

copy all text option in photos app in windows 11

Note: This method is relatively friendly and does not require additional software to complete the process.

Method 3: Extract Text from Images Using PowerToys

Microsoft’s PowerToys utility is also a powerful tool for advanced features in text recognition. PowerToys is another useful tool specifically for users who want to have a more customized approach while dealing with text extraction.

1. PowerToys can be downloaded and installed from the official Microsoft Store.

download microsoft owertoys

2. Open up PowerToys and turn on the “Text Extractor” setting.

text extractor in windows 11 powertoys

3. Press the keys Windows + Shift + T and then move your cursor over the image region containing the text. The extracted text will be automatically copied to the clipboard instantly.

Extract Text from Images Using PowerToys

Method 4: Extract Text from Images Using Click to Do

The Click to Do tool provides first-rank solutions for text extraction with added extras. It is most beneficial to use for people who often typeset scanned documents and photos.

1. Select the text you want to extract.

2. Right-click on the selected text and tap “Copy”. Paste the copied text wherever you want.

Extract Text from Images Using Click to Do

This one should be used to extract text in the use of the text recognition feature. The unformatted style of the content allows the content to be copy-pasted whenever necessary.

Is the detect and copy text from your photos on Windows 11 free?

Yes, all tools that are provided in-built with the operating system, including but not limited to the Snipping Tool and the Photos app are free. Third-party applications often include a premium version but provide the user with free functionality.

What is the most accurate tool for extracting text from images?

For precision, PowerToys and Click to Do are recommended because they are developed to enhance the text recognition capabilities of the Windows OS.

Feel free to let us know in the comments which topic you would like us to explain in more detail with step-by-step troubleshooting!

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