Alternatives To Microsoft Lens

Microsoft is retiring its free Lens scanning app, so now is the time to secure your documents and switch to a reliable alternative without losing functionality or control.

Microsoft Lens To Be Removed From iOS and Android App Stores

Microsoft has confirmed that Microsoft Lens will be removed from iOS and Android app stores and eventually disabled for creating new scans, although existing files will remain accessible if the app stays installed and you remain signed in.

Originally launched as Office Lens in 2015, it became widely used in business because it was free, simple and reliable. It allowed users to scan documents, whiteboards and business cards, convert them into searchable PDFs using OCR, and save them locally or to OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Microsoft is now directing users towards scanning within Microsoft OneDrive or Microsoft 365 Copilot. However, these do not fully replicate Lens. Features such as business card scanning to OneNote, read-aloud and Immersive Reader integration are not currently available.

For businesses, this means:

– Reviewing document workflows before scanning is disabled
– Exporting important scans before access becomes limited
– Deciding whether cloud-only storage via OneDrive is acceptable
– Considering alternative scanning apps for flexibility.

What to do now

– Export your existing scans
– Open Microsoft Lens
– Save each scan as a PDF
– Store a local copy
– Back up to your chosen cloud storage
– Confirm files open independently of the app.

Switch to OneDrive scanning

– Open the OneDrive app
– Tap the + button
– Select Scan
– Capture your document
– Save to your chosen folder.

Be aware that OneDrive does not support local-only storage.

Use a free alternative – here are some options (please note, these are suggestions and not recommendations).

Adobe Scan

– Download the app
– Sign in with a free account
– Scan documents using the camera
– Save as PDF
– Export to local or cloud storage

Genius Scan

– Install the app
– Capture documents
– Adjust borders
– Export as PDF
– Save locally or to your preferred cloud.

Google Drive (Android)

– Tap +
– Select Scan
– Save as PDF.

The key point is portability. Export everything as standard PDFs, keep copies outside any single app, and avoid relying on proprietary storage. That way, when Microsoft Lens closes, your documents and your workflow remain firmly under your control.