Microsoft has announced the phased retirement of its Lens PDF scanner app, effective for Android and iOS platforms. The app, popular for converting text and images into various document formats, will be taken off from app stores on 2026-02-09, with scanning functionality stopping on 2026-03-09.
Transition to OneDrive
The technology giant urges users to shift to OneDrive's built-in scanning feature. By tapping the plus button and selecting 'Scan photo', users can continue to digitize documents. Notably, scans must be stored in OneDrive since local saving is not supported. This update signals Microsoft's strategic consolidation of its mobile app functionalities.
Timeline and User Instructions
- Lenses app retirement announced originally in August 2025.
- Removal from app stores planned for 2026-02-09.
- Scanning feature to stop by 2026-03-09.
While the app remains installed, access to past scans from MyScans remains available for users signed into their last active account. Despite not requiring administrative intervention, the phased retirement requires users to adapt promptly.
Broader Product Strategy
This latest move follows similar deprecations by Microsoft. Earlier, it announced a change for its password autofill feature and a timeline for removing a desktop publishing app post-October 2026. These changes reflect an ongoing trend within Microsoft to streamline and enhance integration across its services.
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