March 29, 2024

Top 10 Ways to Fix OneNote Not Opening on Windows 10 and Windows 11



Onenote not opening on Windows 11

1. Completely Close OneNote and Reopen

Microsoft offers a quick-note feature on OneNote and keeps running the app in the background. You should completely close the OneNote app and then reopen it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager.

Step 2: Open Task Manager and find OneNote from the Processes menu.

Step 3: Click on OneNote and select the End task button at the bottom.



End onenote tasks

Try to open OneNote now.

2. Delete OneNote Cache

OneNote collects the cache data in the background to make certain tasks faster in the app. Sometimes, overburdening such cache data or corrupt cache can lead to OneNote not opening on Windows 10 and Windows 11. So let’s delete the OneNote cache from your system.

Step 1: Press Windows + R keys and open the Run menu.

Step 2: Type OneNote / safeboot in it and hit the Enter key.



Clear onenote cache

Step 3: The process will delete the app cache and open the app on the computer.

3. Update OneNote App

OneNote not opening on Windows 10 and Windows 11 might be due to an outdated build on your computer. You should go to the Microsoft Store and update the app to the latest version.

Open Microsoft Store and go to Library. Select Get Updates and update the OneNote app to the latest version.



Update onenote app

Those using the Microsoft 365 version of OneNote can go to File and navigate to Office Updates in the Account menu to install the latest OneNote build on the computer.



Update onenote desktop app

4. Repair OneNote

If the OneNote app still isn’t opening for you, you can use the default Repair tool from the Windows Settings app. The app’s data won’t be affected here.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on Windows (use Windows + I keys).

Step 2: Go to the Apps menu and open Apps & features.



Open apps and features

Step 3: Scroll down to OneNote and click on the three-dot menu beside it.

Step 4: Open Advanced options.



Open advanced options

Step 5: Under the Reset menu, select Repair.



Repair onenote

Let Windows run the Repair tool and troubleshoot the OneNote not opening issue on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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5. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a handy troubleshooter to fix Windows Store apps. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Go to the Windows Settings and open Troubleshoot from the System menu.



Open troubleshoot menu

Step 2: Select other troubleshooters.



Open other troubleshooters

Step 3: Scroll down and find the Windows Store Apps menu.



Run windows apps troubleshooter

Run the troubleshooter for it and let Microsoft fix the issue.

6. Reset OneNote on Windows

If the OneNote app still isn’t opening on Windows, try this extreme method to fix the issue. The Reset function will delete all the apps data on your computer and you will have to open OneNote notebooks again from OneDrive.

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings and go to the Apps menu.



Open apps and features

Step 2: Find OneNote under the Apps & features menu and go to Advanced options.



Open advanced options

Step 3: Scroll down to Reset and fix the OneNote not opening on Windows 10 and Windows 11 error.



Reset One Note

7. Update Windows OS

Not everyone is fond of updating Windows OS on their computer. But occasionally, you should update the OS when you start facing issues with installed apps on the computer.



Update windows OS

Go to Windows Settings and open the Windows Update menu to install the latest build on the device.

8. Try OneNote Web

Microsoft also offers OneNote on the web. If the native apps are still not accessible to you, you can try OneNote from the web.

Visit OneNote on the web and create/edit pages to it.

Fix OneNote Issues on your Computer

It’s irritating when OneNote fails to open on the computer. It breaks the workflow and might push you towards trying other alternatives on Windows. Before you look for rivals, use the mentioned methods and fix the issue.



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