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Fix Immersive Reader Stuck Loading in OneNote for Windows 10
Question details
The user is experiencing a frozen white loading screen when attempting to launch the Immersive Reader in OneNote for Windows 10, though the feature functions correctly on the web version.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Opening the Immersive Reader tool to read or listen to notes within the desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The application hangs on a blank white loading screen, completely preventing the Immersive Reader interface from initializing.
Verify that your computer has an active, stable internet connection, as Immersive Reader relies on Microsoft's cloud services to process text and initialize properly.
Update OneNote via the Microsoft Store or Office Settings
Installing the latest updates resolves known software bugs and ensures compatibility with Microsoft's cloud servers.
Microsoft frequently releases patches to fix freezing issues or broken features. The update process depends on whether you installed the standalone Windows 10 app or the Microsoft 365 desktop version.
Open the Microsoft Store app, click on 'Library' or 'Downloads and updates' in the bottom-left corner, and select 'Get updates' to install the latest version of OneNote for Windows 10.
Launch your OneNote application, navigate to 'File' > 'Account', click on the 'Update Options' dropdown menu, and select 'Update Now'.
Perform an Online Repair for Office
Online Repair scans for and replaces corrupted application files that may be preventing features from loading.
Use OneNote Online as an Immediate Workaround
If the issue is caused by a recent server-side change affecting the desktop client, the web version will still function correctly.
Try WPS Office for a Stable, Glitch-Free Experience
If you are frustrated by Office applications freezing or features stuck on loading screens, WPS Office offers a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative. It includes advanced document reading modes and seamless compatibility with all major document formats.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free suite on your Windows device.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open' to seamlessly load your existing Microsoft Office files.
- 3. Enable Reading Features: Navigate to the 'View' tab to activate specialized reading layouts for a comfortable, uninterrupted experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Immersive Reader get stuck on a white screen?
This problem is typically caused by local file corruption, an outdated version of the application, or a failure to connect to Microsoft's servers, which are required to process the text for the Immersive Reader.
Will resetting OneNote for Windows 10 delete my notes?
Resetting the app through Windows Settings will delete local app data. You must ensure all your notes are fully synced to OneDrive before performing a reset, otherwise unsynced changes will be permanently lost.
Can I use Immersive Reader without an internet connection?
No, Immersive Reader is a cloud-based service that requires an active internet connection to generate audio and visual formatting. A poor connection can cause it to stall on the loading screen.
What should I do if updates and repairs do not fix the issue?
If local troubleshooting fails, the issue may stem from a Microsoft server-side bug. In this case, you can use the web version of OneNote temporarily while waiting for Microsoft to release an automated patch.
