Windows 11 will let you copy text from screenshots: Here’s how

By Ayushi Jain | Updated on 15-Sep-2023

Ayushi Jain

15-Sep-2023

HIGHLIGHTS

Microsoft has introduced Text Actions for Windows 11.

This feature allows users to copy text from screenshots.

This feature also allows users to redact sensitive information in screenshots before sharing.

Microsoft has announced that it is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels in order to improve the overall capture experience on Windows 11. The tech giant has introduced Text Actions which detects text in the captured screenshots and allows users to copy that text. Currently, Apple offers a similar feature named Live Text that allows people using iOS 15 or later to copy text from photos.

“With this update to Snipping Tool (version 11.2308.33.0), we are introducing Text Actions, which detects text in your captured screenshots, making it easy to copy text from any image to share with others or paste in another app,” the tech giant said in a Windows Insider blogpost on September 14, 2023.

Also read: Windows 11 will soon get Notepad autosave & updated Snipping Tool

How to copy text from screenshots on Windows 11?

Step 1: To get started, click the Text Actions button in the toolbar to show selectable text.

Step 2: Now, you can select and copy the text that you want.

Alternatively, you can also click the Copy all text button in the toolbar or use Ctrl + A and Ctrl + C to select and copy all text using your keyboard.

Also read: How to get iMessages on Windows by linking iPhone and Phone Link app

With the Text Actions feature, users can also redact sensitive information in screenshots before sharing. Select Quick Redact from the toolbar to automatically hide emails and phone numbers or select any text and select Redact Text from the right-click menu to hide the text.

Microsoft also announced that it is starting to gradually roll out a new feature for Phone Link (version 1.23082.123.0 or greater on PC) that introduces the ability for users to easily access and edit their most recent photos from their Android mobile device in the Snipping Tool on their PC.

“Say goodbye to missed opportunities as you’ll receive instant notifications on your PC whenever a new photo is captured on your Android device, provided both devices are connected via Phone Link,” the tech giant said.

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile