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Is Microsoft Lens shutting down soon and what should I use instead?
Microsoft Lens Decommissioning: Confirmed Timeline and Action Plan
Microsoft has finalized the retirement schedule for the Microsoft Lens app on Android and iOS. While initial reports from 2025 suggested an earlier departure, the updated Admin Center notification (MC1131064) released on January 9, 2026, confirms the official shutdown occurs between February and March 2026. You must adjust your document management workflow immediately to prevent data loss.
Revised Decommissioning Schedule
The timeline has shifted from the tentative dates proposed in late 2025. The official phases are:
- February 9, 2026: Microsoft will remove Lens from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. New users cannot download the application after this date.
- March 9, 2026: The application loses core functionality. Cloud-based services and the scanning feature will cease operations completely.
Impact on Current Users
If you currently use Lens for digitization, you face immediate functional limitations after the March cutoff.
- Scanning Capability: The camera capture and processing features will stop working. You cannot create new PDFs or images using the app.
- Data Access: Your existing local files remain in the “MyScans” folder. You can view these files only if the app remains installed on your device.
- Account Requirement: Accessing legacy files requires you to sign in with your most recently active Microsoft account.
Recommended Migration Path
Microsoft advises all users to transition to the OneDrive mobile app. The company has integrated the scanning technology previously found in Lens directly into the OneDrive infrastructure. This consolidation centralizes file storage and capture.
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Audit Your Files: Review the “MyScans” folder immediately.
- Backup Data: Export essential documents to a secure cloud location or local storage before March 9.
- Install OneDrive: Download the OneDrive app to familiarize yourself with its scanning interface.
- Notify Teams: If you manage a team relying on Lens for expenses or document capture, distribute this timeline to ensure business continuity.
The standalone utility of Microsoft Lens ends here. Moving to the integrated OneDrive solution ensures your workflow remains uninterrupted.