Anywhere you live, work, or travel, Microsoft OneNote is available in a version that suits your needs. Each version of OneNote enables you to dependably access your cloud-connected notebooks to record your thoughts and ideas, recall crucial information from anywhere, and effortlessly share and collaborate with others. This is true whether you’re using a PC, a Mac, a browser, or a mobile device.
All supported versions of OneNote are free to download and use, however a Microsoft Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 subscription is optional and can be used to access some premium features.
Windows OneNote
Users of Windows have a choice of two versions:
- OneNote, formerly known as “OneNote 2016,” is a free desktop application that is a component of Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 and functions on all supported versions of Microsoft Windows.
- The OneNote program that comes pre-installed on all versions of Windows 10 is called OneNote for Windows 10.
note: You may use either version of OneNote on a Windows computer, or you can use both Windows versions concurrently until you decide on one. OneNote for Windows 10 will no longer receive updates after October 20, 2025, hence we advise you to use OneNote instead. When you’re ready, you may modify OneNote’s default setting so that shared notebooks always open in the version you prefer.
OneNote
OneNote is a desktop application for Windows that is a component of Office 2019 and Microsoft 365, although it may also be downloaded separately and used on any PC. It works with every edition of Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as any other version of Windows that is presently supported.
This program has gone by the names “OneNote 2016” (and before, “OneNote 2013”) throughout the last few years. Now, it goes by the name “OneNote.”
The whole Office ribbon interface of the OneNote desktop program can be permanently shown or concealed until required. The colored section tabs of the active notebook are shown horizontally across the screen, and the left side of the screen is used to switch between them.
Only this version of OneNote offers both local and cloud storage for notebooks on your computer’s hard drive. Additionally, it is the OneNote version with the greatest customization choices (in the software, select File > Options).
There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the OneNote desktop application. The 64-bit version of OneNote is installed automatically if you are using a 64-bit edition of Windows and a 64-bit edition of Office 2019 or Microsoft 365; otherwise, the 32-bit version is installed. See Frequently Asked Questions about OneNote in Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 for further details.
How to obtain it
The OneNote desktop software will be included with the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel desktop applications when you install Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 as of March 2020.
- To benefit from premium features and recurring upgrades, purchase Microsoft 365.
- Download OneNote for free as a stand-alone Windows desktop program from Office or the store.
how to modernize it
You’ll get access to the newest features and take advantage of the most recent security upgrades by keeping OneNote and your other applications updated.
- Click File > Account in OneNote’s desktop edition.
- Click the Update Options button located next to Office Updates.
- To update the menu, choose Update Now.
note: If you use OneNote at work or school, your administrator may have the power to dictate which updates you may install when.
Windows 10 OneNote
On all versions of Windows 10, the OneNote for Windows 10 app is already installed and available for usage.
A tiny, single-line ribbon interface towards the top of the screen in OneNote for Windows 10 can be permanently shown or kept concealed until required. The left side of the screen is covered by colored notebook section tabs when the Navigation pane is visible. Immediately to the right of the section tabs is a list of page tabs.
With a compatible Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 subscription, you may access extra premium services like Ink Replay, Researcher, and Math Assistant when you log into OneNote for Windows 10. See Frequently Asked Questions about OneNote in Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 for further details.
How to obtain it
- Check to see whether OneNote is already pre-installed on your computer if you are using Windows 10. OneNote for Windows 10 may be found in the search results list by clicking the Windows Start button in the lower left corner, typing onenote into your keyboard, and then selecting it from the list of results.
- OneNote for Windows 10 is available for free download from the Microsoft Store if it’s missing from your Windows 10 PC for any reason, but we advise using the OneNote app instead because OneNote for Windows 10 will no longer get updates after October 2025.
How to modernize it
You’ll get access to the newest features and take advantage of the most recent security upgrades by keeping OneNote and your other applications updated.
- In Windows 10, press the Start button, enter “store” into the search box, and then select Microsoft Store from the list of results.
- Click Downloads and updates after selecting See more (…) in the top right corner of the Microsoft Store app.
- The Get updates button is located in the upper right corner of the Downloads and updates box.
Any outstanding updates for OneNote for Windows 10 and other programs will be installed by Windows.
Tip: A helpful hint is to launch the Microsoft Store app, click the See more icon (…), and then select Settings to see if Windows 10 app updates are loaded automatically. Make sure that the Update applications automatically option is set to On in the App updates section of the Settings page.
Note: If you use OneNote at work or school, your administrator may have the power to dictate which updates you may install when. Additionally, whether or not your apps are updated automatically may be managed by your administrator.
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