OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneNote Notebook Sync Errors on a New PC

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve synchronization and section errors that prevent accessing OneNote notebooks on a new PC.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a new computer and attempting to synchronize existing OneNote notebooks stored in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneNote throws synchronization errors such as 0x803D0014, 0x80072EFD, and 0xE000006B, and the desktop application fails to access the notebook locations.

Before you start

Verify whether your notebooks use a personal OneDrive or a work/school account, and log in to OneNote for the Web to check if the notebooks open and synchronize correctly in the browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Office Activation and Relogin

If notebooks work properly in OneNote for the Web but fail on the desktop application, resetting your Office account authentication often resolves the sync issue.

Incomplete account authentication on a new PC can block the desktop application from accessing your OneDrive files. Clearing the previous activation data forces OneNote to fetch fresh server credentials.

Sign Out

Open the OneNote desktop application, click on your profile or the File menu, and sign out of all connected accounts.

Close Applications

Completely close OneNote and all other running Microsoft Office applications.

Reset Activation

Clear the previous activation information using Microsoft's official reset-activation instructions or tools.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer, open OneNote, sign in again with the correct Microsoft account, and attempt to open the affected notebook.

Work or School Accounts: If you are using a work or school account and resetting activation does not work, a school or organization IT administrator may need to verify your account permissions.

Solution 2

Use Built-In OneNote Synchronization

Prevent conflicts by allowing OneNote to handle its own synchronization rather than relying on the OneDrive client.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

Tired of dealing with complicated account authentication and synchronization errors? WPS Office is a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers high compatibility with major document formats and features built-in, hassle-free cloud syncing.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and install it on your new PC.
2. Sign In: Create or sign in to your WPS account to activate the cloud features.
3. Save and Sync: Save your documents directly to WPS Cloud to access them easily from any device without authentication errors.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPointLightweight architecture for fast installation and smooth performance on new PCsBuilt-in WPS Cloud for reliable, straightforward file synchronization across all devicesFree and intuitive interface for a seamless migration from other office suites

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting error 0xE000006B in OneNote?

This error typically occurs when the OneNote desktop application cannot communicate with the server. It is often caused by incomplete account authentication on a new PC, network connectivity issues, or server outages.

Can I sync OneNote notebook files using the OneDrive desktop client?

No, it is highly recommended not to sync OneNote notebooks using the OneDrive synchronization client. OneNote uses its own built-in sync engine. Using the standard OneDrive app to sync these files can lead to conflicts and synchronization errors.

What should I do if my school account still cannot sync notebooks after a reset?

If resetting your Office activation and restarting your PC does not resolve the issue, you should contact your school's IT administrator. They may need to verify your account permissions, check device policies, or re-enable your access.

Document & File Issues