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
Please note
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.
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 outdoor activities like gardening and walking their dog, Jaiya. Kye’s straightforward approach makes them key to Iron Software’s mission to demystify technology for developers globally.
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