Microsoft's Office Lens gets a new name and some new features
Microsoft Lens, the handy little app that turned your phone into a pocket scanner, is saying goodbye. But don't worry, it's not all bad news! Microsoft is replacing it with something even more powerful: AI. Let's dive into what this means for you.
The End of an Era for Microsoft Lens
For those unfamiliar, Microsoft Lens was a mobile document scanner that allowed you to convert paper documents, business cards, receipts, and other items into easily readable digital files. It was a simple, effective tool for digitizing your physical world. However, Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing the Lens app, directing users to its Copilot AI chat app instead.
According to reports, Microsoft will begin phasing out the Microsoft Lens app in September. By mid-November, it will be removed from app stores, and users who still have it installed will no longer be able to create new scans after mid-December 2025.
AI to the Rescue: Copilot and OneDrive Integration
So, what's replacing Lens? Microsoft is betting big on AI. The core functionality of Lens is being integrated into Microsoft Copilot and OneDrive. This means you'll be able to scan documents using the AI capabilities within these apps.
Here's what you can expect:
- Copilot: Use the AI chat app to scan and process documents. This likely includes features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to extract text from images, and intelligent formatting to make your scans look professional.
- OneDrive: The document scanning features will be directly integrated into OneDrive, making it easier than ever to store and organize your digitized documents in the cloud.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're a regular user of Microsoft Lens, you'll need to adjust your workflow. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you transition:
- Download Copilot and/or use OneDrive: If you haven't already, download the Microsoft Copilot app or familiarize yourself with OneDrive's mobile app.
- Explore the new scanning features: Take some time to explore the document scanning capabilities within Copilot and OneDrive.
- Migrate your existing scans: If you have important documents stored within the Lens app, make sure to migrate them to OneDrive or another storage solution before the app is fully discontinued.
Key Takeaways
The shift from Microsoft Lens to AI-powered scanning in Copilot and OneDrive represents a broader trend of integrating AI into everyday tools. While it may require a bit of adjustment, the enhanced capabilities and seamless integration with other Microsoft services should ultimately provide a more powerful and convenient document scanning experience.
References
- TechCrunch Article: RIP, Microsoft Lens , a simple little app that's getting replaced by AI
- https://www.windowslatest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Microsoft-Lens-app.jpg
- https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/08/microsoft-lens-pdf-scanner-app-for-android-and-ios-to-be-discontinued/
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-will-kill-the-microsoft-lens-pdf-scanner-app-for-ios-android-in-september/