Microsoft Lens Discontinued: RIP to the Handy Scanning App

A Farewell to Simplicity: The End of Microsoft Lens

There's a certain appeal in applications that focus on performing a single task exceptionally well, without unnecessary complexity.

Microsoft Lens exemplified this principle; it was a straightforward mobile document scanner capable of converting paper documents, business cards, receipts, and various other materials into easily accessible digital formats. However, Microsoft has announced the app’s discontinuation, steering its user base toward its Copilot AI chat application.

Discontinuation Timeline

A recently published support document details the phase-out plan. Microsoft Lens will cease functioning on iOS and Android devices beginning September 15, 2025.

Removal from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store is scheduled for November 15, 2025. Users will retain the ability to utilize the scanning features until December 15, 2025.

Following this date, new scans will no longer be possible, though previously created scans will remain accessible within the app as long as it remains installed on the user’s device.

From Office Lens to a Legacy

Initially launched in 2015 as Office Lens, Microsoft Lens originated as an application intended for Windows Phone.

While its core capabilities mirrored those of other mobile scanning apps, it distinguished itself by avoiding upcharges for features or aggressive subscription pushes – a notable characteristic in the current app market.

Core Functionality and Versatility

The application excelled at transforming notes – whether handwritten or printed – documents, receipts, business cards, and even whiteboard content into various file types.

These included PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and image formats. Furthermore, it incorporated a range of built-in filters to optimize image quality, enhance document clarity, and create sharper black-and-white reproductions.

Files could then be saved to Microsoft applications, cloud services, or the device’s camera roll. Its simplicity and effectiveness were key to its appeal.

Copilot: A Less Functional Replacement

The impending shutdown was first reported by Bleeping Computer, highlighting that users are being directed to Microsoft 365 Copilot.

However, Copilot lacks the comprehensive functionality of Lens. While it offers scanning capabilities, it doesn’t support direct saving to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint, nor does it retain the business card scanning feature for OneNote.

Additionally, it omits Lens’ accessibility features, such as read-aloud functionality and integration with Immersive Reader.

Continued Popularity Despite Age

Despite its age, Microsoft Lens continues to enjoy considerable popularity. Appfigures data indicates over 322,000 downloads across the App Store and Google Play in the last 30 days.

Since January 2017, the app has accumulated a total of 92.3 million downloads, demonstrating its sustained user base.

Microsoft Remains Silent

Microsoft has not yet issued a statement in response to inquiries regarding the decision to discontinue Microsoft Lens.