Microsoft is enhancing the user experience for Windows 11 by streamlining the process of text extraction from images. Currently, users are familiar with the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities of the operating system, which require taking a screenshot via the Snipping Tool before any text can be extracted. However, with the latest testing phase, this cumbersome step may soon be a thing of the past.
According to reports from Neowin, the preview version 11.2503.27.0 of the Snipping Tool introduces a new feature that allows users to extract text directly without the need to capture a screenshot first. By simply pressing the Windows + Shift + S keys, users can access a capture bar that now includes a convenient ‘text extractor’ option. This means that users can click to extract text immediately, eliminating the need to save a screen grab beforehand.
Analysis: Power(Toys) to the people
This integration of text extraction directly into Windows 11 mirrors features found in Microsoft’s PowerToys suite, catering to advanced users who value efficiency. The new functionality is poised to be a welcome addition for those who frequently need to copy text from their screens without the hassle of taking a screenshot first.
While the ‘Copy all text’ option allows for the extraction of all visible text, users also have the flexibility to select specific portions of text manually. Additionally, they can choose to remove line breaks if desired, further enhancing the usability of this feature.
Microsoft’s gradual expansion of Windows 11’s OCR capabilities is noteworthy, especially considering the introduction of similar features in the Photos app late last year, which allowed users to pull text from images directly within the application.
