OneNote for Windows 10 support is ending

Hi, Microsoft 365 Insiders! I’m Bola Soneye, a Product Manager on the OneNote team. Today, I’d like to share an important update: Beginning October 14, OneNote for Windows 10 will reach End of Support. We recommend OneNote customers begin using the OneNote on Windows app for a more streamlined experience.

OneNote for Windows 10 support is ending

For years, OneNote for Windows 10 has helped millions of people around the world capture ideas, stay organized, and collaborate with ease. We’re incredibly proud of the impact it’s had, and now it’s time to take the next step. As we continue to invest in a more secure, modern, and capable note-taking experience, we’re consolidating our efforts into a single, more powerful OneNote on Windows app. This streamlined direction will help us deliver new features faster, ensure long-term support, and provide a foundation for future innovation in OneNote.

After October 14, OneNote for Windows 10 will become read-only: You’ll still be able to view your notes, but you won’t be able to edit or sync them using this version. Updates, bug fixes, and security patches will no longer be provided in OneNote for Windows 10.

What you need to know

For users

If you currently rely on OneNote for Windows 10 for teaching, collaboration, or daily organization, we recommend switching now to the OneNote on Windows app to ensure continued productivity and take advantage of all the new capabilities.

Here’s how to make a smooth transition to the latest OneNote experience:

1. Sync your notes first: Make sure all your notebooks are up-to-date by right-clicking each notebook in OneNote for Windows 10 and selecting Sync This Notebook. Fully syncing to OneDrive or SharePoint ensures your work carries over automatically when you switch to the latest OneNote app on Windows.
2. Use the in-app migration ribbon: After syncing, click the in-app migration banner in OneNote for Windows 10 – either the Move to the newest version of OneNote banner or the Switch now button – and follow the prompts to ensure your notebook content is safely preserved. The banner will guide you directly to the correct OneNote on Windows app in the Microsoft Store. NOTE: If you encounter a backup or sync error during migration, see Troubleshooting Backup Failures During Migration from OneNote for Windows 10 for detailed troubleshooting steps.
3. Download the OneNote on Windows app from the Microsoft Store: It’s free, actively supported, and packed with powerful features. Just sign in with your work, school, or personal credentials, and your notebooks will appear automatically if they’re stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. 
4. Verify your content on the latest OneNote on Windows app: Before uninstalling the OneNote for Windows 10 application, make sure you confirm that your migrated notebooks all appear on the latest version of OneNote on Windows platform. If you notice some contents missing, please go to File > Open Backups in OneNote on Windows to recover them or follow these steps: Restore Missing Content after migrating from OneNote for Windows 10 to OneNote on Windows.

The updated OneNote on Windows app has a familiar interface with new features, improved sync, better performance, and enhanced security. Take a few minutes to explore the layout and tools to hit the ground running!

For organizations and IT admins

Use Microsoft’s official OneNote for Windows 10 migration guide for enterprise deployment:

• Enterprise: OneNote for Windows 10 migration guidance
• Education: OneNote Migration Guide for Microsoft 365 Education Admins

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions and answers about the migration process:

• What should I do if I encounter a backup or sync failure during migration? If you experience a backup or sync error, follow the steps here to resolve the issue.
• What should I do if the Microsoft Store app is blocked? If you see a message that the Microsoft Store app is blocked, contact your organization’s IT Help Desk for assistance.
• What can I do if sections or pages are missing after migration? If some content appears missing, in OneNote on Windows, go to File > Open Backups to view and restore your local backups. You can also follow the instructions here.
• How can I change the layout of my page, section, or notebook? You can adjust your layout by going to View > Tabs Layout, then selecting either Vertical Tabs or Horizontal Tabs.
• How can I find my recent notes in OneNote on Windows? To see your recent edits, go to History > Recent Edits. You can also right-click Recent Edits to pin it to your Quick Access Toolbar (either above or below the ribbon) for easier access.
• Where can I get more help? If you still need assistance, go to Help > Support within the OneNote on Windows app to contact Microsoft Support. NOTE: Support is only available from within this app.

What’s next?

OneNote on Windows will be our primary application on the Windows platform, and we’re continuing to invest in making it secure, faster, more intelligent, and easier to use, whether you’re taking notes for school, planning your day at work, or collaborating across devices.

Stay tuned for:

• Copilot-powered note generation
• Other intelligent features on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap

Availability

OneNote on Windows is free and available now to all OneNote users with a work, school, or personal Microsoft account.

Feedback

Go to Help > Feedback in OneNote to share your thoughts on this new update.

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