Microsoft Enhances Security by Blocking FPRPC in 365 and Phasing Out Lens App in Favor of Copilot Transition

Microsoft Discontinues Popular Lens App, Pushes Users to AI-Powered Copilot

SEATTLE, WA – Microsoft has announced the impending shutdown of its widely-used Lens app, a mobile tool renowned for document scanning and image-to-PDF conversion. Boasting over 50 million downloads and high user satisfaction, the app will cease to function in phases beginning mid-September 2025.

New installations will be blocked starting in mid-September 2025, followed by removal from app stores in mid-November. The core scanning functionality will officially end on December 15,2025.

Existing scans will remain accessible through Microsoft’s “MyScans” feature, however, users will lose access to advanced features like “rescue in OneNote” and immersive reading capabilities. Microsoft is urging users to migrate their content and prepare for the transition.

Copilot as the Successor

The tech giant is positioning its AI-powered copilot app as the primary replacement for Lens. Copilot offers integrated scanning features within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem,enhanced by artificial intelligence. While acknowledging some feature differences compared to Lens, Microsoft emphasizes Copilot’s ongoing development and continuous improvements. Users are encouraged to explore Copilot and consider third-party alternatives if specific Lens features are critical to their workflow.

Part of a Broader Strategy

This discontinuation aligns with a larger trend within Microsoft to streamline its product portfolio and focus resources on AI and cloud technologies. The company previously phased out autofill password functionality in Authenticator and plans to remove Publisher from Microsoft 365 in 2026.

enterprise Implications: Security Boost with FPRPC sunset

the move also impacts enterprise users, particularly with the planned deprecation of the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call Protocol (FPRPC). Microsoft highlights that replacing FPRPC with secure HTTPS connections and kernel-level controls in Windows will substantially enhance security, mitigating vulnerabilities to brute-force attacks and data interception. The transition to Copilot,coupled with the FPRPC sunset,aims to bolster security postures,simplify IT management,and improve workflow resilience for organizations.

What specific actions should administrators take to identify printers still utilizing FPRPC within their surroundings?

Blocking FPRPC: A Important Security enhancement for Microsoft 365

Microsoft has recently taken a decisive step to bolster security within its microsoft 365 ecosystem by blocking the File and Printer Sharing Remote Procedure Call (FPRPC) protocol. This change,impacting both on-premises and hybrid environments,is a direct response to the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks,particularly those leveraging lateral movement techniques. FPRPC has historically been a vulnerable point, frequently enough exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.

Why FPRPC Was Targeted:

Legacy Protocol: FPRPC is an older protocol with inherent security weaknesses.

Lateral Movement: Attackers frequently use FPRPC to move laterally within a network after initial compromise.

exploitation History: Numerous exploits targeting FPRPC vulnerabilities have been documented, making it a prime target for malicious actors.

Modern Alternatives: More secure alternatives for printing and file sharing are readily available.

Impact on Users and Administrators:

The blocking of FPRPC primarily affects printing functionality. Users relying on unmanaged or legacy printers may experience disruptions. Administrators are urged to:

1. identify Affected Printers: Audit your environment to identify printers still utilizing FPRPC.
2. Migrate to Modern Printing Solutions: Transition to modern printing solutions like Worldwide Print, IPP (Internet printing Protocol), or direct IP printing.
3. Update Printer Drivers: Ensure all printer drivers are up-to-date to support modern protocols.
4. Monitor for Issues: Closely monitor printing services after the change to address any user-reported problems promptly.

Security Benefits of Blocking FPRPC:

Reduced Attack Surface: Eliminating FPRPC significantly reduces the attack surface available to malicious actors.

Improved Lateral Movement prevention: Blocking the protocol hinders attackers’ ability to move laterally within the network.

Enhanced Compliance: this change aligns with industry best practices and regulatory compliance requirements.

Strengthened Overall Security Posture: Contributes to a more robust and resilient security posture for Microsoft 365 environments.

The Sunset of Microsoft Lens: Paving the Way for Copilot Integration

Alongside the FPRPC security update, microsoft is phasing out the standalone Microsoft Lens app. This decision isn’t about removing functionality, but rather about strategically integrating its core capabilities into microsoft Copilot and other Microsoft 365 applications. microsoft Lens, originally designed for document scanning and image enhancement, is being superseded by more bright and versatile tools.

What’s Happening with Microsoft Lens?

No Further Standalone Advancement: Microsoft will no longer actively develop the standalone Microsoft Lens app.

Feature Integration into Copilot: The core features of Lens – document scanning, image cropping, and enhancement – are being integrated directly into microsoft Copilot.

Availability in Teams & Other Apps: Lens functionality will continue to be available within Microsoft Teams and other relevant Microsoft 365 applications.

Transition Timeline: The complete sunset of the standalone app is expected to occur gradually, allowing users time to adapt.

Copilot: The Future of document Interaction

Microsoft Copilot leverages the power of artificial intelligence to transform how users interact with documents and information.Integrating Lens’s capabilities into Copilot unlocks new possibilities:

Intelligent Document Understanding: Copilot can now understand the content of scanned documents more effectively.

Automated Data Extraction: Automatically extract data from scanned forms and documents.

Enhanced collaboration: seamlessly share and collaborate on scanned documents within Microsoft Teams.

Streamlined Workflows: simplify document-intensive workflows with AI-powered automation.

Real-World Example: Invoice Processing

Imagine a scenario where a company receives numerous paper invoices daily. previously, employees would manually scan, file, and enter invoice data into accounting systems. With Copilot and the integrated lens functionality, the process becomes automated:

1. Scan with Copilot: Employees scan invoices directly within Copilot.
2. AI-Powered Data Extraction: Copilot automatically extracts key data points like invoice number, date, amount due, and vendor information.
3. Automated Entry: The extracted data is automatically entered into the accounting system, eliminating manual data entry errors and saving significant time.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition

For FPRPC Blocking:

Prioritize Printer Assessment: Begin with a thorough assessment of your printing infrastructure.

Test Modern Printing solutions: Thoroughly test modern printing solutions in a non-production environment before widespread deployment.

Communicate with Users: Keep users informed about the changes and provide clear instructions on how to use modern printing solutions.

For Microsoft Lens Phase-Out:

Explore Copilot Features: Familiarize yourself with the document scanning