How to Create Read-Only Section Groups in OneNote Class Notebook
Question details
A teacher needs to create nested section groups in the Teacher area of a Class Notebook that are visible to students but cannot be edited by them.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Setting up a Class Notebook environment where teachers can share read-only resources within nested section groups.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote for Windows 10 does not natively support creating nested read-only section groups within the app, requiring an external permission workaround.
Ensure you have the necessary teacher or administrator permissions for the Class Notebook, and verify whether your notebook is stored on SharePoint or a personal school OneDrive account.
Manage Folder Permissions via SharePoint or OneDrive
Since OneNote for Windows 10 limits nested section group creation, you can manage student access directly through the cloud storage location where the notebook is saved.
This workaround involves creating the sections directly in the OneNote interface and then adjusting the backend file permissions to restrict student editing.
Right-click the section area within your Class Notebook in OneNote for Windows 10 and select 'Add section'.
Navigate to the notebook's storage location. If it is stored on OneDrive, go to 'My files' and then open the 'Class Notebooks' folder.
Select the newly created section group or folder in SharePoint or OneDrive, and click on 'Manage access'.
Change the students' permission level to 'Can view'. This ensures they can read the content but cannot make any edits or additions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't OneNote for Windows 10 support nested section groups?
OneNote for Windows 10 is designed as a streamlined, touch-friendly application. It intentionally omits some of the complex hierarchical features found in the standard OneNote Desktop version to maintain a simpler user interface.
How can I make a section group appear at the top of the Content area?
Adding an underscore (_) or a number at the beginning of the section group's name will force it to be sorted alphabetically at the top of your section list.
Can I revert a read-only section back to being editable by students?
Yes. You can return to the 'Manage access' settings in SharePoint or OneDrive at any time and change the students' permission status from 'Can view' back to 'Can edit'.
