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Are You Ready for the Incredible New Way to Scan Documents After Microsoft Lens Disappears?
Big changes are coming to how you scan documents on your phone. The Microsoft Lens app, a helpful tool for many, will be going away soon. Microsoft has announced that it will stop supporting the Lens app on September 15, 2025. This news might be surprising, but there is a new plan in place. Microsoft wants its users to start using a different tool called Microsoft Copilot for their scanning needs.
This change is happening because Microsoft is focusing on putting its best features into one main app. Instead of having many separate apps, they are building more tools into Microsoft 365 and Copilot. This should make things easier to find and use in the long run. For now, it means we have to say goodbye to an old favorite.
The Shutdown Schedule
The process of retiring the Microsoft Lens app will happen in steps. It’s important to know these dates so you are not caught off guard.
- Mid-September 2025: The process of shutting down the app will begin.
- Mid-October 2025: You will no longer be able to find and download Microsoft Lens from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Mid-November 2025: The app will be completely removed from both app stores.
- Mid-December 2025: The ability to create new scans within the Microsoft Lens app will be turned off.
Even after these dates, you won’t lose your old work. Any scans you have already made will stay safe in the “MyScans” folder inside the app. You just won’t be able to make any new ones.
What to Use Instead
Microsoft recommends using the scanning feature that is built into the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This will be the new home for scanning documents and pictures. Microsoft has promised to keep making this app better by adding new features over time. If you have saved your previous scans to OneDrive, you can find them in the “MyCreations” section of the Copilot app. This makes it simple to keep all your scanned files in one place.
For people who manage IT for their companies, it is a good idea to let everyone know about this change ahead of time. This will help avoid any confusion when the Lens app stops working. Microsoft has also provided a support article to explain the transition.
This shift feels like part of a bigger trend in technology. Companies often try to simplify their products by combining features into a single, more powerful application. While it can be a little difficult to adjust to a new app, the goal is to create a better and more connected experience for everyone. It’s like having a multi-tool instead of a toolbox full of individual items; everything you need is right there when you need it.