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OneNote for Windows 10 is no longer the app to use. As of October 14, 2025, OneNote for Windows 10 has officially reached End of Support (EOS). If you’re searching for information about OneNote Windows 10, you’ve probably noticed the confusion around which version to run. That confusion just got clearer. Here’s what you need to know and what to do.
For years, Windows 10 users faced a frustrating choice: two separate OneNote apps that looked similar but worked very differently. Historically, Microsoft has maintained two separate versions of OneNote for Windows users: the traditional desktop application, often referred to as OneNote 2016, and the UWP version known as OneNote for Windows 10. That era just ended.
The good news? You have a clear path forward. But first, let’s clarify what happened and what your options are right now.
- What happened to OneNote for Windows 10 and why it’s read-only now
- The key differences between OneNote for Windows 10 and the current OneNote app
- How to download and install the supported OneNote version
- How to access and migrate your existing notes
- The feature differences you should know about
- System requirements and what devices work best
OneNote for Windows 10: End of Support Explained
The app will now transition into a read-only mode, meaning you can continue to open and view your existing notes, but creating, editing, or syncing content is no longer supported. This was Microsoft’s move to unify the OneNote experience across Windows.
In my experience, the confusion surrounding the two versions frustrated a lot of people. Microsoft kept both versions running in parallel for years, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The company eventually decided the cleanest solution was to consolidate around one app. We’ve unified the OneNote experience on Windows around the OneNote app, which brings the latest design, enhanced security, improved performance, and consistent navigation across devices. This change ensures a single, modern, and secure OneNote experience that will continue to receive new features, quality updates, and ongoing protection through Microsoft 365’s trusted security framework.
You won’t lose your notes. You can still view and export your notes. The app remains available for read-only access, allowing you to review and copy information from your existing notebooks. But you can’t create or edit in OneNote for Windows 10 anymore.
OneNote for Windows 10 vs. the New OneNote on Windows
Before the switch, understanding the differences was essential. Now it’s even more important because you need to migrate.
| Feature | OneNote for Windows 10 (Deprecated) | OneNote on Windows (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Support Status | Read-only (End of Support October 14, 2025) | Fully supported and actively updated |
| Notebook Storage | OneDrive only (cloud-based) | OneDrive and local storage options |
| Interface | Simplified, single-line ribbon | Full Office-style ribbon with more controls |
| Syncing | Cloud sync only | Automatic cloud sync to OneDrive |
| Customization | Limited options | More customization for tags, templates, and layout |
| Office Integration | Basic | Full Word, Excel, and Outlook integration |
| Free to Use | Yes | Yes (with enhanced features in Microsoft 365) |
How to Get OneNote on Windows (The Current Version)
The good news: switching is straightforward. There are multiple ways to get the current OneNote app. Pick whichever works best for your situation.
Option 1: Microsoft Store (Easiest)
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
- Search for “OneNote” in the search bar.
- Look for the app simply labeled “Microsoft OneNote” (not OneNote for Windows 10).
- Click Install or Get.
- Wait for the download and installation to finish.
- Open OneNote and sign in with your Microsoft account.
This version is optimized for modern Windows systems and receives automatic updates through the Store. That means you’ll always have the latest security patches and features without thinking about it.
Option 2: Direct Download from Microsoft
- Visit the official OneNote download page at onenote.com/download.
- Click the “Download” button for Windows Desktop.
- Once the .exe file downloads, double-click it to run the installer.
- Click Yes when the User Account Control prompt appears.
- Follow the setup wizard and wait for installation to complete.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
This method works if you prefer not using the Microsoft Store or if you’re on a work device with certain restrictions.
Option 3: It Comes with Microsoft 365
The OneNote app on Windows is available in the Microsoft Store and is included with Microsoft 365. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or genuine Office 2024 Professional Plus, OneNote is already bundled in. Just launch it from your Start menu.
Accessing Your Old OneNote for Windows 10 Notes
Your notes didn’t disappear. They’re still there, just in read-only mode. Here’s what you can do.
You can still view and export your notes. Editing and syncing are no longer supported, however any unsynced changes will be automatically backed up and accessible on OneNote for Windows.
To move your notes to the new OneNote app, you don’t need to do anything manual. If your notes were stored on OneDrive (which OneNote for Windows 10 required), sign into the new OneNote app with the same Microsoft account. Your notebooks will appear automatically. From there, you can edit and sync them normally.
If for some reason your old notes aren’t showing up, you can export them from the read-only version and import them into the new app. It’s clumsy but doable.
Why OneNote on Windows Is Better Now
This isn’t just Microsoft consolidating apps to reduce complexity. The current OneNote app is genuinely more capable.
The most frustrating part about OneNote for Windows 10 was the forced cloud storage. If you wanted to keep notes locally on your machine for security or offline access, you were out of luck. With OneNote for Windows 10, all notebooks are stored in your OneDrive account and can’t be stored on your device. The new OneNote gives you both options.
You also get better Office integration. The older Windows 10 version had a stripped-down ribbon that hid features. The current app uses the full Office-style ribbon, so if you’re familiar with Word or Excel, the controls will feel natural. You can embed spreadsheets, create custom tags, and apply page templates—things the Windows 10 version couldn’t do well.
Microsoft intends to incorporate popular features from the UWP app into the desktop version. This includes improved inking capabilities, a favorite among users of the Windows 10 app. So you’re getting the best of both worlds.
System Requirements for OneNote on Windows
Before you download, make sure your PC meets these minimum specs. They’re not demanding.
- Operating System: Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) or any version of Windows 11
- RAM: At least 4 GB recommended
- Storage: At least 4 GB of free space for installation
- Internet: A stable internet connection for sign-in and syncing
- Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core
- Microsoft Account: Required for syncing and cloud features
If your machine is a few years old but still runs Windows 10, you’ll be fine. OneNote is lightweight and doesn’t hog resources.
Is OneNote Still Free?
Yes. OneNote is free to use. The core features of the program require no payment from users. Anyone with a free Microsoft account can instantly download OneNote and begin using it for free.
You don’t need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use OneNote for personal notetaking. A free Microsoft account is all that’s required. That said, if you do have Microsoft 365, you unlock some premium features like advanced search, Ink Replay, Researcher, and Math Assistant. But the basic app is fully functional without any payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still open and view my OneNote for Windows 10 notebooks?
Yes. You can still view and export your notes. The app remains available for read-only access, allowing you to review and copy information from your existing notebooks. You just can’t edit or sync them anymore. Once you switch to the new OneNote app and sign in with the same account, your cloud notebooks will be available for full editing.
Will my notes sync automatically to the new OneNote app?
If your notes were stored on OneDrive (which OneNote for Windows 10 required), yes. Sign into the new OneNote app with the same Microsoft account and your notebooks will appear. Start using them normally. If you had unsynced notes trapped in the old app, Microsoft will preserve those, but you may need to manually export and import them.
Can I use both OneNote versions at the same time?
On your Windows PC, you can use any version of OneNote—or use both Windows versions side by side until you select a version. However, don’t rely on this as a long-term solution. The old version is read-only and won’t receive updates. Switch to the new app as soon as you’re comfortable.
What if I prefer the simplified interface of OneNote for Windows 10?
Understandable. The Windows 10 version had a cleaner, less cluttered look. The good news is Microsoft has refined the new OneNote’s design significantly. It’s still more powerful than the old version, but the interface is much more approachable than it was a few years ago. Give it a week and you’ll likely prefer it.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to use OneNote?
No. For Windows 10/11: Use the Microsoft Store to install the OneNote app (UWP version). It’s free and doesn’t require a Microsoft 365 subscription. However, if you already have Microsoft 365, OneNote is included and you’ll have access to enhanced features.
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