How to Fix OneNote Error Code 0x803D0005 After Signing Out
Question details
The user is unable to access OneNote and encounters error code 0x803D0005, which typically occurs after signing out of their Microsoft account.

- Product
- Microsoft OneNote (OneNote for Windows 10)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch or log back into OneNote for Windows 10 after previously signing out.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to detect the account's sign-in information, displaying error code 0x803D0005 and blocking access to user notebooks.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that you know the exact Microsoft account credentials (email and password) associated with your OneNote notebooks before attempting to repair or reset the application.
Repair or Reset OneNote for Windows 10
Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix corrupted application files or reset the app to its default state without needing to download it again.
Repairing the app attempts to fix the software without affecting your data. If the error persists, resetting the app will clear the local app data, forcing OneNote to re-authenticate your Microsoft account upon the next launch.
Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Windows Settings, then navigate to 'Apps' followed by 'Apps & features'.
Scroll down the list of installed applications or use the search bar to find 'OneNote for Windows 10'.
Click on 'OneNote for Windows 10' and select the 'Advanced options' link that appears directly underneath it.
Scroll down to the Reset section. First, click the 'Repair' button and check if the error is resolved. If the error code 0x803D0005 still appears, go back and click the 'Reset' button.

Reinstall OneNote from the Microsoft Store
If repairing or resetting fails, reinstalling the app entirely ensures you have a clean, uncorrupted version of OneNote.
Test with a Local Windows Account
Creating a new local user account helps determine if the error is tied to corrupted settings within your specific Windows user profile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes OneNote Error Code 0x803D0005?
This error occurs when OneNote for Windows 10 is unable to detect or authenticate your account's sign-in information. It is most commonly triggered after a user signs out, due to corrupted local cache, or when there is a mismatch between the Windows profile and the Microsoft account.
Will I lose my notes if I reset OneNote for Windows 10?
Resetting the app will clear local app data and settings. Any notebooks that successfully synced to your OneDrive cloud prior to signing out will be perfectly safe and will re-download when you sign back in. Unsynced local changes may be lost.
Does this error affect other Microsoft 365 applications?
No, error code 0x803D0005 is generally isolated to the OneNote application (particularly the OneNote for Windows 10 version) and its specific sync/authentication mechanism. Other applications like Word and Excel should continue to function normally.




