How to use Windows 11's new feature that extracts text from images on Android

Microsoft has introduced a new feature to Windows 11 via the Phone Link app, allowing users to extract text from images on their Android devices seamlessly. This Optical Character Recognition (OCR) functionality, named "Scan Text," is a part of the Phone Link app’s version 1.24052.124.0, providing a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this feature:

Updating Phone Link
To start, ensure your Phone Link app is updated to the latest version. This feature is available from version 1.24052.124.0 onwards, so check for updates through the Microsoft Store if you haven’t already.

Connect your Android phone
Ensure your Android phone is connected to your Windows 11 PC via the Phone Link app. If you haven’t set this up yet, open the Phone Link app on your PC, follow the on-screen instructions to link your phone, and grant the necessary permissions on your Android device.

How to use Scan Text feature
Open the Phone Link App: Once your phone is connected, open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC.
View photos: Navigate to the Photos section within the Phone Link app to access images stored on your phone.
Select an image: Click on the image from which you want to extract text.
Enable scan text: Click on the "Text" option (previously labeled as "Scan Text") while viewing the photo. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + T to launch the feature.
Extract text: The OCR capabilities will scan the image and identify all text. You can then easily copy the extracted text for use in other applications.