Microsoft Discontinues Lens Scanner App in Favor of Copilot AI
Microsoft will retire its Lens mobile scanning app on iOS and Android by November 15, 2025, rerouting users to the Copilot AI chat app. While Lens offered free, ad-free scanning with file exports to Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote, Copilot lacks these workflows and key accessibility features. Users can scan until December 15, 2025, and access existing scans afterward, but no new scans will be possible.
Microsoft has announced it will retire its beloved Lens mobile scanning app on iOS and Android, steering users toward the Copilot AI chat app by year-end 2025. This change affects anyone relying on Lens for free, no-subscription scanning with seamless Office exports.
Lens Retirement Timeline
According to Microsoft’s support document, Lens will be removed from the App Store and Google Play on November 15, 2025. Existing users retain scanning capabilities until December 15, 2025. After that, no new scans can be created, but previously scanned documents remain accessible on the device.
What Copilot Lacks
- No direct export to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint
- Missing business card scanning workflows into OneNote
- Lacks Lens’ image filters and enhancement tools
- No read-aloud or Immersive Reader integration for accessibility
Why Microsoft is Consolidating
The shift reflects Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its mobile portfolio and drive adoption of AI-powered Copilot across its 365 ecosystem. By embedding scanning into an AI chat interface, Microsoft aims to unify discovery and usage, even if it means phasing out dedicated tools like Lens.
Business Impact
Organizations that depend on Lens’ streamlined workflows face potential disruptions. Education, legal, and field-service teams will need to rework document capture processes, validate AI-driven outputs, and ensure compliance when exporting sensitive data.
Unlocking Migration with QuarkyByte
QuarkyByte collaborates with IT and operations teams to map current scanning pipelines, identify Copilot feature gaps, and design bespoke integrations for OCR accuracy and file exports. From automated filtering to secure storage and compliance checks, our analytical approach ensures a smooth transition and uninterrupted productivity.
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AI Tools Built for Agencies That Move Fast.
QuarkyByte helps enterprises migrate from legacy mobile scanning to AI-driven workflows, preserving OCR accuracy and Office-suite integrations. Our team analyzes Copilot’s gaps, designs tailored accessibility and export solutions, and ensures secure, automated document processing to maximize productivity and ROI.