Windows
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 isn’t as straightforward as it should be—Microsoft hides it well. 💻 I’ve helped dozens of users wrestle with this over the years, and the key is knowing where to look and what to reset first.
The built-in uninstaller often leaves behind files that cause crashes, so we’ll cover the clean method that actually works.
First, you’ll need admin rights—this isn’t optional. Start with the standard route: open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find OneNote, and click Uninstall. If it fails or hangs, we’ll move to PowerShell where I’ve seen stubborn installs finally let go with a single command.
The real secret? Resetting OneNote first through the same Apps menu—this clears the cache and makes the uninstaller behave.
You’ll end up with a completely removed OneNote, no lingering shortcuts or broken registry entries, and a system that doesn’t throw errors when you try to reinstall later.
The process takes under 10 minutes if you follow the steps exactly—no waiting for Microsoft’s support site to load or dealing with their automated bots. I’ll walk you through every screen and command, including the manual cleanup for those rare cases where files still cling to your system.
Fair warning: if you’ve ever synced OneNote with your Microsoft account, back up your notebooks first. The uninstall won’t touch your cloud data, but it’s good practice when dealing with Microsoft’s software.
We’ll cover how to verify everything’s gone cleanly at the end—no more phantom OneNote processes running in the background or mysterious crashes when you open other apps.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Windows 10 PC with administrative access (OneNote must already be installed).
- ○ Stable internet connection (optional but helpful for verifying updates or troubleshooting).
- ● Backup of important notes (export or copy any critical OneNote data to avoid accidental loss).
- ● Admin credentials (username/password for your Windows account).
- ● Third-party uninstaller tools (e.g., Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller) for deeper cleanup of leftover files.
- ● Disk cleanup utility (built into Windows) to free up space post-uninstall.
- ● Microsoft Account access (if OneNote is linked to your Microsoft 365 subscription).
- ● Ensure no active OneNote sessions are running in the background.
- ● Close all related Microsoft apps (e.g., Office apps, Edge with OneNote integration).
- ● Verify enough storage space (at least 500MB free on your system drive).
Step-by-Step instructions for removing OneNote from Windows 10
Here's the foolproof method I use to completely erase OneNote and all its traces.
🔧 Step 1: Close OneNote and Related Processes
Open the Start menu and type "OneNote" to locate the application. Right-click the OneNote icon and select "Close window" if it's running. This ensures the app isn't actively using system resources during removal.
Next, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Look under the "Processes" tab for any Microsoft Office-related processes, especially those named "OneNote" or "OfficeClickToRun." Right-click each and select "End task." This prevents conflicts during uninstallation.
💻 Step 2: Use Windows Settings for Clean Removal
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I key combination. Navigate to "Apps" and select "Apps & features" from the left-hand menu. In the list of installed applications, find "Microsoft OneNote" and click on it.
Click the "Uninstall" button that appears. Windows will prompt you to confirm the action. Click "Uninstall" again in the confirmation dialog. Wait for the process to complete—this typically takes about 30-60 seconds. You'll see a confirmation message when it's done.
⌨️ Step 3: Remove Lingering Files via Programs and Features
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog. Type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter. This opens the classic "Programs and Features" window. Scroll through the list until you find "Microsoft OneNote" or any related Office entries.
Right-click each OneNote-related entry and select "Uninstall." If you see "Microsoft Office" or "Office 365," be cautious—only uninstall OneNote-specific components. This step ensures no hidden installation files remain on your system.
💡 Step 4: Clean Up Remaining Files and Registry Entries
Open File Explorer and navigate to the following paths to manually delete leftover files. First, go to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0 (replace "[YourUsername]" with your actual username). Delete the "OneNote" folder if it exists.
Next, press Windows + R again and type "regedit" to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OneNote and delete this key. Be extremely careful when editing the registry—only delete keys related to OneNote.
⏰ Step 5: Verify Complete Removal and Restart
Press the Windows + S key combination and type "OneNote" in the search bar. If the app no longer appears in the results, it has been successfully removed. Additionally, check your Start menu and desktop for any remaining shortcuts and delete them manually.
Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. After rebooting, open File Explorer and search for any remaining OneNote files. If you find any, delete them manually. Your system should now be completely free of OneNote.
Tips & tricks for thorough OneNote removal
Here's what I've learned from years of helping people completely purge OneNote from their systems—these tricks ensure no traces remain.
Double-Check Running Processes: In Step 1, if you're unsure whether you've caught all OneNote processes, sort the Task Manager by "Memory" column first. The hungriest processes are often the most critical ones to terminate—this helps catch any sneaky background services you might miss at first glance.
Registry Backup First: Before diving into Step 4's registry edits, create a backup using File > Export in regedit. Save it to your desktop with a clear name like "OneNoteRegistryBackup.bak". This simple step protects you from accidental deletions that could affect other Office functions. I've seen too many people panic after removing the wrong registry keys!
Manual File Search Strategy: After deleting the OneNote folder in Step 4, use Windows Search to look for "onenote" (all lowercase) in your entire C: drive. This catches any hidden files or folders that might have been missed. I once found a leftover "OneNoteTemp" folder this way that kept recreating shortcuts.
Post-Reboot Verification: After the restart in Step 5, don't just check the Start menu—open Command Prompt and type "where onenote". This command shows ALL system locations where OneNote files might still exist. If you see any results, delete those folders manually before considering the removal complete.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Onenote For Windows 10
- Here's what I've learned from years of helping people completely purge OneNote from their systems—these tricks ensure no traces remain.
- Double-Check Running Processes: In Step 1, if you're unsure whether you've caught all OneNote processes, sort the Task Manager by "Memory" column first.
- Registry Backup First: Before diving into Step 4's registry edits, create a backup using File > Export in regedit.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10? Here are answers to the most common concerns to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Will uninstalling OneNote delete my notes?
No, uninstalling OneNote won’t delete your notes if they’re saved to OneDrive or your PC’s local storage. However, if you only used OneNote’s online version (via browser), your notes remain intact in your Microsoft account. Always back up critical notes before uninstalling to stay safe!
How long does the uninstall process take?
The actual uninstallation is quick (under a minute), but cleanup tasks (like removing leftover files or registry entries) may take 5–10 minutes if you use the manual method. If you’re in a hurry, the built-in Windows uninstaller is faster but may leave traces behind.
Can I still access OneNote notes after uninstalling?
Yes! If your notes are synced to OneDrive or your Microsoft account, you can access them via onenote.com or reinstall OneNote later. For local-only notes, ensure they’re backed up before uninstalling.
What if OneNote won’t uninstall normally?
If the app freezes or errors out, try these fixes:
- Run as Administrator: Right-click the uninstaller and select "Run as administrator."
- Use a Third-Party Tool: Tools like Revo Uninstaller can force-remove stubborn apps.
- Reset Windows Store: Open PowerShell as admin and run
Get-AppxPackage onenote | Remove-AppxPackage.
What’s a good alternative to OneNote for Windows 10?
If you’re switching away from OneNote, consider:
- Microsoft OneNote Online: Access notes via browser without installing the app.
- Google Keep: Simple, cloud-based, and integrates with Google Workspace.
- Notion or Evernote: Feature-rich alternatives with offline access.
- Microsoft Sticky Notes: Lightweight and built into Windows 10.
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a hassle—you’ve now got the tools to remove it cleanly and free up space! Whether you’re decluttering your system or switching to another app, following these steps ensures no leftover files slow you down. 🎉
Ready to breathe new life into your PC? Now’s the perfect time to explore alternatives like Google Keep or Notion, or simply enjoy a streamlined setup. Check out our guide for more Windows optimization tips!