Microsoft is testing text recognition in screenshots via Snipping Tool

Microsoft is testing the ability to recognize and copy text from screenshots in a new version of the Snipping Tool for Windows 11. The company is also rolling out a test version of Phone Link to adjust photos from an Android device in the Snipping Tool.

Windows 11 Insiders can use Snipping Tool test version 11.2308.33.0 via the Canary and Dev channels. After taking screenshots in the program, they can according to Microsoft open the new Text Actions menu. This menu then allows them to select all text from an image or automatically redact sensitive data such as phone numbers and email addresses. It is also possible to select text yourself with the mouse, and the shortcuts Ctrl + A and Ctrl + C also work.

The relevant Snipping Tool trial version also includes support for Phone Link. Allows users to open photos from a paired Android device in the Snipping Tool. It is then possible to apply the software’s functionality to these images. Phone Link also works on iOS, but as far as we know, mounting images in the Snipping Tool is only possible if an Android device is connected. It is not clear when text recognition and the Phone Link feature will be released to all users.