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How to Setup IronOCR using the Windows Installer

Kye Stuart
Kye Stuart
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IronOCR is a powerful .NET library for Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enabling developers to extract text from images, scanned PDFs, and more — all within C# or VB.NET applications. While NuGet is the most popular way to install IronOCR, we also offer a Windows Installer for environments that prefer an offline or GUI-based setup.

Download the IronOCR Windows Installer

To get started, download the latest version of the IronOCR Installer:

Once downloaded, extract the ZIP archive and run the IronOCR Installer.exe file.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Launch the Installer: Double-click the executable file. Carefully read through the End User License Agreement. To proceed, select the checkbox indicating your agreement, then click Next. IronOCR-license-agreement

  2. Choose Installation Folder: You can install IronOCR to the default directory or choose a custom location. After making your selection click Next to continue. IronOCR-folder-location

  3. Select Start Menu Folder: Here you can choose whether to create a program shortcut. You can either browse and select a shortcut location or elect not to create a Start Menu folder. IronOCR-start-menu

  4. Install the Program: Finally, click Install to install IronOCR to the designated location on your computer. IronOCR-install

Modify Environment Variables After Installation

In most cases, the IronOCR Windows Installer will automatically set up all necessary environment variables. However, if you encounter issues (e.g., integration problems with Visual Studio or system access to the IronOCR install directory), you may need to manually set the IRONOCR_INSTALL_DIR environment variable.

Modify Environment Variables in Windows 11

Here’s how to manually set the environment variable on Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. run program win11
  2. In the System Properties window, navigate to the Advanced tab, then click Environment Variables. system properties win11
  3. In the Environment Variables dialog, you can add or edit variables under:
    • User variables (just for your Windows user account)
    • System variables (available to all users) environment variables window
  4. Click New to create a new variable (or select Edit to modify an existing one).
  5. Set the following values:
    • Variable Name: IRONOCR_INSTALL_DIR
    • Variable Value: C:\Program Files (x86)\IronSoftware\IronOcr edit user variable win11
  6. Click OK on all dialogs to save your changes.
  7. Restart your computer for the changes to apply system-wide.

Modify Environment Variables on Windows 10

If you’re running Windows 10, use these steps to configure the same environment variable:

  1. Right-click the Start menu, then choose System.
  2. In the Settings window, scroll down to Related Settings and click Advanced System Settings.
  3. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click Environment Variables... system properties win10
  4. Under User Variables or System Variables, click New or Edit as needed.
  5. Input the following:
    • Variable Name: IRONOCR_INSTALL_DIR
    • Variable Value: C:\Program Files (x86)\IronSoftware\IronOcr environment variables window
  6. Click OK and Apply to save changes.
  7. Restart your computer for full effect.

Need Help?

If you run into any installation issues, rest assured that we have resources to help you:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IronOCR and how can it be installed on Windows?

IronOCR is a .NET library for Optical Character Recognition that can be installed on Windows using the Windows Installer, which provides an offline or GUI-based setup option.

Where can I download the IronOCR Windows Installer?

You can download the IronOCR Windows Installer from the official Iron Software website by accessing the link provided in the setup guide.

What steps are involved in installing IronOCR using the Windows Installer?

The installation involves launching the installer, agreeing to the license, choosing an installation folder, selecting a Start Menu folder, and finally installing the program to the desired location.

How do I modify environment variables for IronOCR on Windows 11?

To modify environment variables on Windows 11, open the System Properties, navigate to Environment Variables, and set the 'IRONOCR_INSTALL_DIR' variable to the appropriate installation path.

What should I do if I encounter integration issues with Visual Studio after installing IronOCR?

If you encounter integration issues, you may need to manually set the 'IRONOCR_INSTALL_DIR' environment variable to ensure proper access to the IronOCR install directory.

Is it necessary to restart my computer after changing environment variables?

Yes, it is recommended to restart your computer to apply the changes to environment variables system-wide.

How can I get help if I face installation issues with IronOCR?

If you face installation issues, you can refer to the IronOCR Troubleshooting Guide, visit the Technical Support Page, or contact the support team directly through the provided links.

Can IronOCR be installed to a custom directory?

Yes, during the installation process, you have the option to choose a custom installation directory for IronOCR.

Kye Stuart
Kye Stuart
  Chat with engineering team now
Technical Writer

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

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