How do I copy text from an image or screenshot without retyping?

You'll be able to: Copy words and numbers directly from images, photos, and screenshots using built-in OCR

The steps

1
Capture the screen area containing the text by pressing WinShiftS, or open an existing picture in the built-in Snipping Tool app. Your screen dims and Snipping Tool opens with your captured image on display.
Snipping tool displaying an image with text and the top toolbar icons.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
2
Click the Text Actions icon in the top toolbar, or press CtrlT. Small rectangular outlines appear around every word and sentence detected in the image.
How does Windows read text inside an image?
Windows uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR), a local machine learning system that scans the visual shapes of letters and converts them into selectable, editable text right on your computer.
3
Click Copy all text at the top, or click and drag your cursor over the specific lines or numbers you need and press CtrlC. The selected text is copied to your computer's clipboard.
Selected text highlighted inside the image with a Copy All Text button.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
4
Switch to any app where you need the text (such as Word, an email, or your browser) and press CtrlV. The exact words and numbers from the picture appear in your document without retyping.
Tip
You can also do this directly in the Windows Photos app by clicking the small OCR icon in the bottom right corner of any opened image. Past clips are saved in Clipboard History (WinV).

It looks different on my screen

If you do not see the Text Actions button in Snipping Tool, open the Microsoft Store, click Library, and update Snipping Tool to the latest version.

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