Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix OneNote Error: We Could Not Sync This Section Because Access Was Denied

Adam Davis Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to synchronize a OneNote section or open embedded Word documents within SharePoint-stored notebooks due to an access denied error.

Fix OneNote Error: We Could Not Sync This Section Because Access Was Denied

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open Word documents inserted into OneNote notebooks that are stored on a corporate SharePoint network.
Observed behavior: OneNote displays an error stating "We could not sync this section because access was denied" and fails to open the embedded Word document.

Before you start

Ensure that your device has a stable internet connection and that you are logged into Microsoft OneNote with the correct work or school account that has active SharePoint permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Office Account Details and Update OneNote

Keeping your OneNote application updated and verifying your account configuration can resolve underlying synchronization conflicts.

Microsoft frequently releases patches for Office applications. Ensuring you are on the latest update channel might resolve known bugs preventing SharePoint documents from opening.

Navigate to Account Settings

Open your Microsoft OneNote application, click on "File" in the top ribbon, and select "Account" from the left-hand sidebar.

Check Account Credentials

Under the User Information section, confirm that you are logged into the correct Microsoft 365 work or school account associated with the SharePoint directory.

Apply Office Updates

Look for the "Update Options" button under Product Information. Click it and select "Update Now" to force OneNote to check for and install the latest patches.

Verify the Update Channel

Click on "About OneNote" to confirm your current version build and update channel. Note this version number (e.g., version 2407) in case you need to escalate the issue.

Verify Office Account Details and Update OneNote

Update Management: If the 'Update Options' button is missing, your organization's IT department likely manages your software updates. You will need to contact them to apply the latest version.

Solution 2

Consult the Microsoft 365 Admin for Service Incidents

When multiple users experience the access denied error on SharePoint notebooks, it often points to a server-side issue or a Microsoft service incident.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

If you are experiencing persistent synchronization issues and access denied errors with Microsoft OneNote and SharePoint, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative for creating, editing, and managing your essential documents without complex cloud syncing hurdles.

High compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for core office tasksBuilt-in cloud storage and straightforward local file management without access denied errorsFamiliar tabbed user interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft Office

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote say I don't have permission to sync a notebook?

This usually happens if your notebook is stored on SharePoint or OneDrive and your account credentials have expired, if file permissions were recently restricted by a network administrator, or due to a syncing bug within a specific Office update channel.

How do I check my OneNote version and update channel?

Open OneNote, click on "File" in the top left corner, select "Account", and look under the "About OneNote" section. Here, you will see your specific version number and whether you are on the current, monthly, or enterprise update channel.

Does removing and re-inserting the embedded document fix the access denied error?

In some minor cases, replacing the file clears caching glitches. However, if the issue stems from a broader SharePoint permission error or a widespread Microsoft bug affecting multiple users, re-inserting the document will not resolve the synchronization failure.

Document & File Issues