Fix OneNote 2016 Still Appearing After Installing New Version
Question details
The user wants to use the newer OneNote application from the Microsoft Store, but the older OneNote 2016 version remains active, causing confusion about which version is running and why new features are unavailable.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to install and use the latest OneNote application from the Microsoft Store instead of the legacy OneNote 2016 desktop app.
- Observed behavior
- Office updates are triggered, but OneNote 2016 still opens by default. The system reports it is up to date, yet the new Store application and its latest features remain inaccessible.
Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account on Windows and have a stable internet connection to search the Microsoft Store and download application updates.
Verify and Launch the Correct OneNote Version
Windows allows multiple OneNote applications to be installed simultaneously. You need to distinguish between OneNote 2016 and the newer Store version, and pin the correct one to your taskbar.
The Microsoft Store version of OneNote installs completely separately from the desktop version of Office (OneNote 2016). Because both can coexist on the same system, clicking your usual shortcut may simply open the older version again.
Open the OneNote application you currently use. Click on 'File' in the top ribbon and select 'Account', or navigate to 'OneNote' > 'About OneNote' to see the exact version number.
Press the Windows key and type 'OneNote'. Look closely at the search results; you should see both 'OneNote' (the older desktop app) and a newer app version (sometimes labeled 'OneNote for Windows 10' depending on your OS).
Right-click the newer version from the Windows search results and select 'Pin to taskbar'. This ensures you always launch the correct, updated application going forward.
Force Install the App Directly from the Microsoft Store
If the newer version does not appear in your Windows search, you can force its installation directly from the Store rather than relying on the general Office update tool.
Check for Pending Windows and Store Updates
Pending system updates can block new applications from installing properly or prevent new features from appearing in your Office apps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows keep both OneNote 2016 and the new OneNote?
Microsoft allows both the desktop application (OneNote 2016) and the newer UWP app (OneNote for Windows 10) to coexist on the same system. This is intended to support different user preferences and maintain access to legacy features that may not yet be available in the newer app.
How do I know which version of OneNote I am currently using?
Open your OneNote application, click on 'File' in the top menu, and select 'Account'. Alternatively, look for 'About OneNote' in the settings menu to view your exact version number and build details.
Why am I not seeing the newest OneNote features even though Office says it is up to date?
New features are often rolled out gradually through different update channels by Microsoft. Even if you have the latest application version installed, specific features may not be enabled for your account or region immediately.
