Breaking: Microsoft Lens Retirement confirmed; OneDrive Replaces Scanning Tool With Limitations
Breaking news: Microsoft confirms the retirement of Microsoft Lens on iOS and Android. The cloud-based scanning tool will stop functioning when its underlying cloud infrastructure is shut down on March 9, 2026. Existing scans remain accessible for users who installed Lens before the deadline.
What happens and when
Lens entered retirement on January 9, 2026, on both Android and iOS. The app will not receive further updates. As of February 9,2026,Lens has disappeared from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store,and its status is now listed as “unsupported.” Documents already scanned remain available to users who are signed in with their most recent Microsoft account.
Why Microsoft is changing course
Microsoft is realigning its product lineup to merge similar capabilities and redirect resources toward core services such as Copilot and Microsoft 365. The shift prioritizes cloud-based workflows and integrated AI features over standalone scanning apps.
What to do next
Users should plan to have Lens installed by March 9, 2026 if they want to continue using the service. After that date, updates stop and future operating system changes may render Lens unusable if Microsoft does not provide a fix.
For ongoing scanning needs, Microsoft directs users to OneDrive, which now handles comparable tasks in the cloud. Saved documents live in the cloud and may require manual downloads to local storage. Microsoft 365 Copilot also offers scanning functionality as part of its suite. For official guidance, see Microsoft’s retirement notice.
Key facts at a glance
| Date | Status / Impact | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | Lens retired on Android and iOS | Functional for existing users | No new updates. |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Lens removed from Play Store and App Store | Unsupported | Installation allowed only if already installed. |
| Mar 9, 2026 | Cloud infrastructure shut down | Lens ends | OneDrive becomes the recommended option. |
Evergreen insights for readers
The Lens retirement signals a broader move toward cloud-centric document management. As scanning and OCR features migrate to cloud platforms, users gain cross‑device access, but offline options may diminish. Expect deeper integration of scanning with OneDrive and AI-powered tools across Microsoft’s productivity ecosystem in the coming years.
Two takeaways for long-term productivity
- Prepare for changes by exporting significant scans locally before cutoffs, and ensure you remain signed in to recover access to existing documents.
- Explore OneDrive’s scanning features and the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot to maintain a seamless workflow after Lens ends.
Engage with our coverage
Have you used Lens for digitizing documents? Which substitute would you trust most after its retirement? Share your plans in the comments below and join our discussion.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute financial, legal, or health advice. For official guidance on software retirements, consult microsoft’s support pages.
For official details, learn more about the retirement notice on Microsoft’s support site: Microsoft Lens retirement.
