Getting Started with IronOCR on Windows
IronOCR is a powerful .NET OCR library designed to extract text from scanned documents, images, PDFs, and more. It supports multiple languages and integrates seamlessly into Windows-based development environments using .NET Framework or .NET 6, 7, and 8.
This guide will walk you through setting up IronOCR on Windows and understanding which configurations work best.
Windows Compatibility
IronOCR supports the following Windows versions:
- Windows 11 & Windows 10
- Windows Server 2022 & 2019 – Desktop Experience
- Windows Server 2016 – Desktop Experience
- Windows Server Core – Limited support
Windows-Specific Installation
NuGet Installation (Recommended)
The easiest and most reliable way to install IronOCR on Windows is via the NuGet Package Manager:
Install-Package IronOcr
This package includes:
- Core OCR engine
- Windows dependencies
- Language pack support
You can also install additional language packs such as Arabic, Chinese, or German by referencing:
PM > Install-Package IronOcr.Languages.Arabic
PM > Install-Package IronOcr.Languages.GermanPM > Install-Package IronOcr.Languages.Arabic
PM > Install-Package IronOcr.Languages.GermanDLL Download
For offline or manual installations, you can download the compiled DLLs directly:
Add them to your project by:
- Extracting the .zip
- Opening your project in Visual Studio
- Right-clicking Dependencies > Add Reference > Browse
- Selecting all DLL files in the folder
Windows Installer
IronOCR also provides a Windows Installer for developers who prefer to install libraries manually via setup files. This is especially useful for offline environments or enterprise deployment.
To use the installer:
- Launch the Installer
- Extract the ZIP file and run the executable inside. The installer will open with a license agreement screen.
- Read through the license agreement, then check the box to accept the terms and proceed by clicking Install.
- Review Installation Info. After reviewing, click Next to continue.
- After setup completes, click Finish to finalize the installation.
The installer includes all required DLLs for the OCR engine and language support, making it easy to integrate into any Windows project without NuGet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for using IronOCR on Windows?
IronOCR supports Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2022 & 2019 with Desktop Experience, and Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience. It offers limited support for Windows Server Core due to the reliance on System.Drawing components.
How can I install IronOCR using NuGet?
You can install IronOCR via the NuGet Package Manager by searching for the 'IronOcr' package. This is the recommended method for integrating IronOCR into your Windows projects.
Is it possible to add additional language support in IronOCR?
Yes, you can add additional language support by installing language-specific packages from NuGet, such as IronOcr.Languages.Arabic or IronOcr.Languages.German.
Can IronOCR be installed manually without using NuGet?
Yes, IronOCR can be installed manually by downloading the compiled DLLs from IronOCR.zip and adding them to your project through Visual Studio's Add Reference feature.
What is the process for installing IronOCR using the Windows Installer?
To install IronOCR using the Windows Installer, download the IronOcrInstaller.zip, extract it, run the executable, accept the license agreement, and follow the installation prompts.
Does IronOCR support offline installations?
Yes, IronOCR supports offline installations through both the downloadable DLLs and the Windows Installer, making it suitable for environments without internet access.
What components are included in the IronOCR package?
The IronOCR package includes the core OCR engine, necessary Windows dependencies, and language pack support for multiple languages.
How do I integrate downloaded IronOCR DLLs into my project?
To integrate downloaded DLLs, extract IronOCR.zip, open your project in Visual Studio, right-click on Dependencies, choose Add Reference, and browse to select all DLL files from the extracted folder.
Can IronOCR be used in .NET 6, 7, or 8 projects?
Yes, IronOCR integrates seamlessly with .NET Framework as well as .NET 6, 7, and 8, making it versatile for different development environments.
Why might some Windows Server environments have limited support for IronOCR?
Windows Server Core environments have limited support because IronOCR relies on System.Drawing and related graphics components that are not fully available in stripped-down Core or Nano environments.
Kye Stuart merges coding passion and writing skill at Iron Software. Educated at Yoobee College in software deployment, they now transform complex tech concepts into clear educational content. Kye values lifelong learning and embraces new tech challenges.
Outside work, they enjoy PC gaming, streaming on Twitch, and ...Read More
