How to Duplicate Unreproducible Texts on Windows

Key Takeaways

Copy uncopyable error message text on Windows by selecting the window and pressing Ctrl+C, or using a third-party tool like Textify.

To extract text from images or videos on Windows, utilize OCR technology. You have the option of using Microsoft's PowerToys or alternative tools such as Capture2Text. Additionally, consider installing browser add-ons/extensions like Copyfish or Absolute Enable Right Click & Copy to extract text that cannot be copied or right-clicked from images, videos, or websites that restrict these actions.

How to Copy Error Messages' Contents on Windows

Have you ever come across uncopyable text on Windows? This could be in the form of error messages or descriptions within the Settings app. Merely attempting to click and highlight the text won't suffice. However, there are several methods you can employ to copy such "uncopyable" text on a Windows system.

To copy the contents of a popup message, you can utilize a built-in technique. This method is applicable for error messages and other notifications displayed by Windows, which you might need to share with your IT department.

Usually, it is not possible to select and copy the text of a popup. Consequently, you may have to manually transcribe the Windows error code or any essential text. However, there is a more convenient approach. By clicking on the title of the popup window, you can effortlessly select the entire window.

Then, press Ctrl+C to copy its contents. Although Windows won't indicate anything happened, you're still good to go.

Hannah Stryker.

Next, open Notepad or any text editor you prefer, and press Ctrl+V to paste. This will neatly list the popup contents. This technique can also be employed to copy and share precise error information with someone who can offer assistance.

How to Copy Uncopyable Texts in Any Windows App

To use the method mentioned earlier, it is important to note that it is only compatible with Windows pop-ups. If you wish to copy text from other applications, a third-party tool is required. Textify is a highly recommended option as it is both free and open-source.

To begin, download and install Textify. The user interface of the application is incredibly user-friendly. There is only one primary setting that needs to be managed, which is the keyboard shortcut used to activate it. By default, Textify is activated by pressing Shift+the middle button of the mouse. Advanced users can access additional settings by clicking the "More Settings" button.

To copy the desired text, navigate to it and press Shift+Middle Click (or learn how to middle-click on a trackpad if you're using one). This will transform the static text into a compact text editor, enabling you to easily copy it. Additionally, the app offers convenient shortcuts for quickly searching the text on the web or translating it instantly.

Also, note that once you launch Textify and use it, it'll continue running in the background. You can quit it through the tray menu.

How to Copy Texts from Images and Videos on Windows

The Textify tool is incredibly helpful for managing apps, but it does have limitations. It is unable to copy text from images or videos. However, there is a solution - OCR. If you are unfamiliar with OCR, it enables you to extract text from practically anything, regardless of its source.

Fortunately, there are numerous Windows apps that offer free access to OCR technology. Among them, Microsoft's PowerToys stands out as the superior option. To get started, simply download and install PowerToys from its GitHub repository. Although it is also available on the Microsoft Store, the GitHub version receives new features and enhancements first.

Launch PowerToys and right-click its icon in the tray to open its settings.

Scroll down the available tools until you find the "Text Extractor" tool. Enable it and change the shortcut if you'd like.

You can now proceed with your tasks. Simply use the default shortcut (Win+Shift+T) and begin selecting the desired text you wish to extract. It will be instantly copied to your clipboard. Remember, this functionality works for both text on images and text within paused videos.

You can always see your Windows clipboard by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win+V if you've enabled the clipboard in the settings.

If you have noticed, according to the PowerToys settings page, the "Text Extractor" can only identify languages that have the OCR pack installed. This implies that by default, you cannot extract text written in a language that you haven't installed on your computer. However, if you want to extract text in a language like Spanish, for instance, you can open the Settings app and go to Time & Language → Language & Region → Add a Language. Lastly, select Spanish and install it.

If you discover any drawbacks in PowerToys' Text Extractor, you can use Capture2Text, an excellent free alternative that does the same thing.

Use Browser Add-Ons to Copy Text from Images and Videos

If you spend all day using your web browser for work or study purposes, you may opt for a browser addon (also known as an extension) instead of installing a specific app. One excellent choice is Copyfish, which can be freely obtained on Google Chrome and Firefox. Users of Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, Opera, and other browsers based on Chromium can effortlessly install Google Chrome's extension directly from the Chrome Web Store.

Installing browser extensions carries privacy risks, so proceed with caution. It is worth noting that even if an extension appears safe at the moment, it may evolve into malware as it becomes more popular. Therefore, we advise against installing extensions unless absolutely necessary.

To begin, install the desired extension. Once installed, you can conveniently utilize it when you need to extract text from images or videos. Additionally, the extension settings offer a range of options for customization and adjustment.

By selecting the "Desktop Text Capture (3s Delay)" option, you can effortlessly navigate away from your browser and the extension will accurately capture and extract text from any other content displayed on your screen.

Use Chrome's "Copy Video Frame"

If you were watching a YouTube video and came across a fascinating frame with abundant information, you can easily capture and save it as an image. Moreover, if you wish, you can extract the text from the captured frame. The benefit of this flexible approach is that it works whether your intention is to save the frame in its original resolution or to extract the text.

Fortunately, this feature is built-in and accessible in the latest versions of Google Chrome. Simply pause the video at the desired moment, right-click twice to display the browser's context menu, and choose "Copy Video Frame."

To clarify, please be aware that you will not be able to directly copy the image to your desktop or any other folders. Instead, you can utilize the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V to paste the image into various applications such as Paint, Photoshop, WhatsApp, Telegram, and more.

How to Copy Text from Websites That Don't Allow Copying

Certain websites prevent users from copying their content or accessing the right-click menu, which can be frustrating. However, there are ways to bypass these restrictions. You can utilize the Textify app or the OCR options mentioned earlier. Alternatively, you may opt to install a browser extension. Nonetheless, exercise caution while installing such extensions. We advise against using them unless it is absolutely necessary. Additionally, it is advisable to install the extension on a separate browser to ensure the protection of your privacy.

An extension that I utilize is called "Absolute Enable Right Click & Copy," compatible with Firefox and Chromium-based browsers. Simply install the add-ons/extension, open it on the particular website you're having trouble with, and activate the "Absolute" option. This will grant you access to the context menu (right-click menu) and enable the copying function.