Unlock the Hidden OCR Functionality in Windows 11 Photos App for Improved Image Text Recognition

Key Notes

  • Enable OCR by adjusting registry settings.
  • Use the new Scan Text feature for enhanced text recognition.
  • Easily extract text directly from the Photos app interface.

Unlocking the Hidden OCR Feature in Windows 11 Photos

The introduction of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the Windows 11 Photos app has broadened the horizons for users looking to extract text from images effortlessly. While traditionally associated with applications like Snipping Tool, this feature promises to enhance usability. This guide will walk you through enabling this powerful function within the Photos app.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Enable OCR

Step 1: Accessing the Registry Editor

Begin by launching the Registry Editor on your computer. You can do this by typing ‘regedit’ into the Windows search bar and selecting the application.

Step 2: Locating the Settings File

In the Registry Editor, navigate to File > Load Hive. Then, follow this path:

%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft. Windows. Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe\Settings\settings.dat

Step 3: Creating the.reg File

Use a text editor like Notepad to create a new file. Copy and paste the following content into it:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Photos\LocalState] "ExperimentationOverrideEnabled"=hex(5f5e10b):01, 41, 3f, 99, 74, 67, 16, db, 01 "ExperimentationOverride_ViewerOcr-IsEnabled"=hex(5f5e10b):01, 9d, e2, 9a, ee, 81, 3b, db, 01

Save the file with a.reg extension, for example, enable_ocr.reg.

Step 4: Adding the.reg File to the Registry

Double-click the saved.reg file to execute it and add the necessary entries to your registry.

Pro Tip: Ensure that your Photos app is completely closed before attempting to load the hive.

Step 5: Unloading the Hive

In Registry Editor, navigate back to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, select the Photos key, and go to File > Unload Hive to complete the process.

Pro Tip: In case of any issues, verify that you have selected HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE first before unloading.

Summary

Enabling the OCR feature in the Windows 11 Photos app enhances usability, providing a straightforward method to extract textual information from images. Following minor registry adjustments, users can leverage the advanced text recognition capability at their fingertips.

Conclusion

The integration of OCR into the Photos app marks a pivotal enhancement for Windows 11 users, streamlining workflows that depend on extracting text from images. As technology continues to evolve, these small updates pave the way for more functional and user-centric tools.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I access the OCR feature in the Windows 11 Photos app?

To access OCR, follow the steps outlined above to enable it in the registry. Once enabled, you can find the Scan Text icon in the Photos app.

Will OCR in Photos work with all types of images?

While the OCR feature is effective with most high-quality images, performance may vary depending on image clarity and text style.