Microsoft Lens Discontinuation: How OneDrive Enhances Your Scanning Workflow

Microsoft has announced an upcoming shift in support for its widely-used scanning application, Microsoft Lens. The app will cease operations on February 9, 2024, and subsequently be removed from all mobile app stores. Users are advised to transition to OneDrive, which now incorporates many of Lens’ key scanning functionalities, by the time Lens fully stops functioning on March 9, 2024.

Transitioning to OneDrive for Document Scanning

Microsoft Lens attracted numerous users for its user-friendly design, allowing for immediate scanning without requiring account setup. In contrast, OneDrive mandates a Microsoft account for usage, a necessity that many Windows users will find manageable given their existing accounts.

It’s important to note that Microsoft has recently eliminated several account bypass methods, although some still remain functional. To start using OneDrive:

Download and install the OneDrive app on your mobile device.
Sign in using your Microsoft account.

Once inside the app, locate the + button at the bottom right of the interface, and then select the Capture option.

Tapping on plus button in OneDrive app on Android.

Next, choose the type of document you intend to scan—options include Document, Video, Whiteboard, Business Card, or Photo. Keep in mind that these categories are currently available only on the iOS version; Android users will find themselves directed immediately to the scanning interface without option selection.

Selecting what you want to scan in OneDrive app on iPhone.

Unfortunately, the useful Actions menu from Microsoft Lens, which allowed features like text extraction and QR code scanning, is not yet available in OneDrive.

To proceed with your scan, align your camera over the desired text and tap the shutter button.

Tapping shutter button to scan document in OneDrive app on iPhone.

After capturing the image, you can crop and rotate it as needed. Finish by selecting the Review and Edit option.

The editing functionalities mirror those found in Microsoft Lens, allowing for additional cropping, text insertion, or even drawing on the scanned images in a variety of colors.

Editing menu for scanned document in OneDrive app on iPhone.

You can also enhance the legibility of your scan or its overall appearance using filters available at the bottom of the editing screen.

Once you finalize your adjustments, simply hit Finish to save the document in your designated OneDrive location.

Saving scanned file in OneDrive app on iPhone.

For Windows users, OneDrive offers a significant advantage by providing instant access to all your documents and images across devices. The reliable syncing capabilities enable seamless productivity, allowing scans conducted on the app to appear immediately on your PC without cumbersome file transfers.

Exploring Alternative Scanning Solutions on Mobile Devices

If you prefer not to use OneDrive, numerous alternatives are available. For Android users, the Google Drive app is a strong alternative, commonly pre-installed on many devices. This app includes AI-powered enhancement tools and a Clean option to further improve the quality of your scans.

Additionally, certain smartphones, such as Samsung and Honor models, integrate scanning capabilities directly within the camera app, negating the need for additional software. Notably, Honor devices also feature text extraction functionalities.

iOS users can leverage the scanning functionality embedded within the new Preview app introduced in iOS 16, as well as the functionality of the Files app, although this latter option has seen recent changes.

For further insights into other suitable scanning applications available for Android, be sure to explore our dedicated article.

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