Windows 10 has no one-click “copy text from image” button built into File Explorer, but free Microsoft tools do it. The quickest is PowerToys Text Extractor: press Windows + Shift + T, drag around the text on screen, and it’s copied to the clipboard. You can also insert the image into OneNote, right-click it and choose Copy Text from Picture. On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool’s Text actions do the same. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Install Microsoft PowerToys, turn on Text Extractor, press Windows + Shift + T and select the text. Paste with Ctrl + V.
Method 1: PowerToys Text Extractor
- Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s official GitHub page.
- Open PowerToys and make sure Text Extractor is on.
- Open the image on screen.
- Press Windows + Shift + T and drag a box around the text.
- Paste the text anywhere with Ctrl + V.
Method 2: OneNote
- Open OneNote and paste or insert the image into a page.
- Right-click the image and choose Copy Text from Picture.
- Paste the text where you need it.
Method 3: Other Options
- Google Lens: In Chrome, right-click an image on a web page and choose Search with Google Lens, then select text.
- Word: Opening a PDF in Word converts it to editable text, which can work for scanned documents saved as PDF.
- Phone camera: Many phones can copy text from a photo, then share it to your PC.
Methods Compared
| Method | Best for | Needs |
|---|---|---|
| PowerToys Text Extractor | Any text on screen | Free install |
| OneNote | Saved images and screenshots | OneNote app |
| Google Lens | Images on web pages | Chrome |
| Word PDF conversion | Multi-page scans | Word |
Troubleshooting
- Wrong characters: Zoom the image in first; small or blurry text reads poorly. Check the text after pasting.
- Text Extractor gets the wrong language: It uses the OCR languages installed in Windows. Add the language pack in Settings > Time & Language.
- Working with scans? See converting a scanned document to PDF and converting a picture to text in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PowerToys safe?
Yes. It’s a free Microsoft tool. Download it only from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s GitHub page.
Does it work offline?
Text Extractor and OneNote’s feature work on the PC; Google Lens needs internet.
Can it read handwriting?
Neat handwriting sometimes works; results vary.
Summary
- Install PowerToys and use Text Extractor.
- Or use Copy Text from Picture in OneNote.
- Use Google Lens for web images.
- Check the pasted text for errors.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.