Windows 11 has introduced a powerful new feature in its Snipping Tool: visual search, which is driven by Bing. This innovative capability allows users to quickly obtain answers from a variety of sources, whether the content includes text, images, OCR data, QR codes, or mathematical equations. It’s akin to using Google Lens on mobile devices, providing a seamless experience for desktop users.
Understanding Visual Search in Snipping Tool
The visual search feature integrated into the Windows 11 Snipping Tool facilitates reverse image searches directly from captured screenshots. Utilizing Bing’s advanced reverse image search engine, results are displayed in your default browser, offering a quick and efficient way to find relevant information.
Originally launched for Windows 11 insiders, this feature is now available to all users with version 11.2508.29.0 or later. The implementation of Bing’s visual search marks a significant step for Microsoft as it expands this functionality across its software ecosystem. The Visual Search with Bing button is already found in applications like Edge, the Photos app, the Bing app, and Microsoft Copilot, with plans for future integration into Paint, Word, and other Office applications.
How to Use Visual Search in Snipping Tool on Windows 11
To utilize the Snipping Tool, begin by launching the application. You can find it through the Windows search functionality, by pressing the PrintScreen key, or by using the shortcut Win + Shift + S.
Upon opening, a small toolbar will appear at the top of your screen featuring various screen capture options: rectangular, freeform, window, or default. Ensure that you have updated your Snipping Tool to the latest version via the Microsoft Store or through Windows Update.
Highlight the desired area by clicking and dragging your mouse or by using your touch device. Release to capture your selection.
After capturing, you will be directed to the Preview window. To initiate a visual search, right-click on the image and select the Visual Search with Bing option from the menu.
Alternatively, you can select the Visual Search with Bing option using the “See More” button located on the right side of the Preview window.
The image you captured will then be uploaded to the Bing search engine, opening in your default web browser—be it Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
Once the image is processed, Bing will return relevant search results based on the context of the captured content. For simple images, you can obtain quick answers by simply asking “what is it.”
Utilizing Bing’s visual search feature directly from the Snipping Tool streamlines the process of analyzing content on your screen, eliminating the need to switch between apps or upload images manually. You can even utilize Copilot on the results page to pose further inquiries.
Practical Applications of Visual Search With Bing in Snipping Tool
The reverse image search capability of the Snipping Tool offers numerous practical applications:
- Translation: Capture text in any language and translate it effortlessly by taking a screenshot.
- Homework Assistance: Whether dealing with mathematical equations, chemical formulas, or electronic circuits, Snipping Tool allows you to select the pertinent area for precise analysis.
- QR Code Generation: Use Snipping Tool to extract text such as URLs or contacts from images; this can then be pasted into a QR code generator.
Comparing Visual Search in Snipping Tool and Google Lens
When evaluating effectiveness, the visual search feature in the Snipping Tool serves a function similar to that of Google Lens, yet there are some notable distinctions:
- Platform Differences: Unlike Google Lens, which is available on both mobile and desktop, the Snipping Tool is specifically designed for desktop use on updated Windows 11 systems.
- Contextual Awareness: Google Lens utilizes advanced technology for contextual understanding, making it more adept at identifying complex images and extracting text accurately. While Bing also offers this capability, it may not match the precision of Google Lens.
- Internet Dependency: Unlike Google Lens, which can perform certain functions offline, Bing’s visual search requires an active internet connection.
In conclusion, the visual search feature in Snipping Tool presents an excellent option for Windows 11 desktop users. Google Lens remains a formidable tool for rapid image analysis and QR code generation.
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