Unlocking the Hidden OCR Feature in Windows 11 Photos App

Introduction​

Have you ever wished you could extract text from an image without the hassle of using third-party software? If you're a Windows 11 user, you might be delighted to learn that the Photos app has a hidden feature that allows you to do just that! While many of us rely on various OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools scattered across the internet, this guide will unveil how to enable the built-in OCR functionality within the Windows 11 Photos app, making your life a bit easier.

What Is OCR and Why Should You Care?​

Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on what OCR is. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts different types of documents, like scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images taken by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data. Think of it as a magic wand that transforms static images of text into digital words you can manipulate.

Why Use OCR?​

Here are a few scenarios where OCR can be a game changer:

• Editing Scanned Documents: Instead of retyping documents, just use OCR to extract and edit text directly.
• Data Entry: Quickly pull text from receipts, invoices, or business cards directly into your spreadsheets or databases.
• Translation: Easily translate documents written in a foreign language by copying the text extracted via OCR into a translation tool.

How to Enable the Hidden OCR Feature in Windows 11 Photos​

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the nitty-gritty of enabling this feature.

Step-by-Step Instructions:​

1. Update Your Photos App:
   Ensure you're using the latest version of the Photos app. Head to the Microsoft Store to confirm your app is up-to-date.
2. Open the Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
   • Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
3. Load the Hive:
   • Click on File in the top menu and select Load Hive.
   • If the option is grayed out, ensure you’ve selected either HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKEY_USERS.
4. Navigate to the Photos App Settings:
   • Copy and paste this path into the search box:
     

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

   • Select the .dat file.
5. Name the Key:
   • If prompted, enter Photos as the Key Name and click Confirm.
6. Create a .reg File:
   • Open Notepad and paste the following:
     

     plaintext 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 this file with a .reg extension.
7. Import the Registry File:
   • Double-click the newly created .reg file to import it into the Registry.
8. Unload the Hive:
   • Back in Registry Editor, find the Photos key again and select File > Unload Hive.

Important Note:​

The OCR feature is disabled by default, so if you don’t see it working, ensure that the Photos app isn't running in the background while you’re enabling this feature.

Utilizing OCR in the Photos App​

Once you’ve successfully enabled the OCR feature, here's how you can use it:

1. Load an image containing text.
2. Look for a new Scan icon on the bottom bar of the app.
3. Simply drag to select the text you wish to copy.

The magic? This feature can recognize even stylized text and icons!

Tips for Optimal Results​

For those looking to boost their OCR performance within the Photos app, consider the following tips:

• Use high-quality images; clear and well-lit photos yield better text extraction.
• Avoid busy backdrops that could confuse the OCR engine.
• Straighten images to avoid skewed text recognition.

Alternatives to Built-in OCR​

If the steps feel overwhelming—or if you encounter issues—don’t fret! There are many excellent online OCR tools such as:

• OnlineOCR
• Nanonets
• ImageToText

These can also help you extract text from images without any heavy lifting on your part.

Conclusion​

Enabling the hidden OCR feature in the Windows 11 Photos app unlocks a realm of convenience for those who handle images with text regularly. Although buried within the app, this feature can enhance your productivity by integrating OCR capabilities directly into your photo management workflow.
Have you tried these steps successfully? Share your experiences and any tips you may have! Happy extracting!

---

Source: TechPP How to Turn on Hidden OCR Feature in the Windows 11 Photos App