Microsoft Lens is retiring on September 15: Here’s everything you should know
Microsoft has announced that its popular document scanning app, Microsoft Lens – PDF Scanner, will be discontinued later this year. Widely used by millions on Android and iOS, the app allowed users to effortlessly scan documents, receipts, whiteboards, and handwritten notes, converting them into PDF, Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files. Its simple interface, coupled with powerful features, made it a go-to productivity tool for many.
On the Google Play Store, Microsoft Lens has amassed over 50 million downloads, while on the Apple App Store it boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating, making it one of Microsoft’s highest-rated apps. However, its days are numbered, with the company revealing a clear timeline for its shutdown.
Shutdown timeline: Important dates for Microsoft Lens users
- September 15, 2025 – Official retirement of the Microsoft Lens app.
- November 15, 2025 – Removal from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- December 15, 2025 – Scanning functions will be disabled. From this point, users will no longer be able to create or save new scans, although existing scans will remain accessible if the app stays installed.
What will replace Microsoft Lens?
Microsoft advises users to switch to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which includes a scanning feature. However, it lacks some of Lens’s most valued tools, such as:
- Immersive Reader
- Read-aloud support
- Direct save options for other Microsoft apps
This means that, while Copilot offers scanning, it does not fully replicate Lens’s productivity capabilities.
How to access your existing data
From Microsoft Lens app
You can continue viewing your old scans in the ‘MyScans’ section as long as the app remains installed.
From Microsoft 365 Copilot – iOS users
- Cloud files: Go to the Create tab, tap the folder icon (top right), and open ‘My Creations’ to view saved scans.
- Local files: Scans stored locally in Microsoft Lens cannot be accessed via Copilot on iOS.
From Microsoft 365 Copilot – Android users
- Cloud files: Access them via the Create tab and ‘My Creations’ folder icon.
- Local files: Enable All Files Access for Microsoft 365 Copilot, then go to ‘My Creations’ through the same folder icon.
Features missing in Microsoft 365 Copilot
Some Microsoft Lens functions will not carry over, including:
- Direct saving of scans to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint
- Business card scanning to save contacts in OneNote
- Read-aloud capability
- Immersive Reader support
With the retirement date approaching, Microsoft Lens users should make arrangements to back up their important scans and familiarise themselves with alternatives to avoid disruption.