Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Uninstall OneNote from Microsoft 365 on Windows

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to remove Microsoft OneNote from their system but is unable to uninstall it individually because it is bundled within the Microsoft 365 installation package.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Removing a specific application (OneNote) that was installed as part of the broader Microsoft 365 Office suite.
Observed behavior: OneNote cannot be uninstalled or removed separately through the standard Windows 'Apps' or 'Programs and Features' settings menu.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows PC and have downloaded the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) from the official Microsoft Download Center.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to Exclude OneNote

Since Microsoft 365 acts as a single package, you must reconfigure your installation using Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool with a specific XML file to exclude OneNote.

Standard Windows uninstall methods do not work for individual apps like OneNote when they are part of a Microsoft 365 installation. You must use the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) to modify the suite and remove specific components.

Extract the Office Deployment Tool

Run the downloaded ODT executable and extract the 'setup.exe' file to a new, dedicated folder on your local drive, such as 'C:\ODT'.

Create the Configuration XML File

In the 'C:\ODT' folder, right-click and create a new text document. Rename it to 'configuration.xml'. Open it in Notepad to add your Microsoft 365 configuration details.

Add the ExcludeApp Parameter

Inside the XML file, ensure your product configuration includes the exclusion tag: <ExcludeApp ID="OneNote" />. Save and close the file.

Run the Setup Command

Open Command Prompt as an Administrator. Type 'cd C:\ODT' to navigate to your folder, then execute the command 'setup.exe /configure configuration.xml' to apply the changes and remove OneNote.

Verify Syntax and Paths: Before running the setup command, carefully verify your XML syntax and file paths to avoid receiving deployment errors in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall OneNote directly from Windows 10/11 Settings?

No. When OneNote is installed as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, it does not appear as a standalone application in the Windows 'Apps' or 'Programs and Features' menus. It must be excluded using the Office Deployment Tool.

Will using the Office Deployment Tool to remove OneNote delete my notebooks?

No, removing the OneNote application via ODT only uninstalls the software itself. Your notebooks are safely stored in your local documents folder or synced to your Microsoft OneDrive account.

What should I do if the Office Deployment Tool gives an error in PowerShell?

Ensure you are running PowerShell or Command Prompt with Administrator privileges. Additionally, double-check that your configuration.xml file is properly formatted without syntax errors and is located in the exact same directory as the setup.exe file.

Installation & Activation