Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Missing Customized Favorite Pens in OneNote

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to find their previously customized favorite pens and quick-access pen list after a recent Microsoft 365 update.

Fix Missing Customized Favorite Pens in OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Trying to quickly access preferred drawing and writing tools during note-taking on non-touchscreen or touchscreen devices.
Observed behavior: The old favorite pens list has completely disappeared, replaced by a redesigned Draw tab and pen menu that lacks the legacy layout.

Before you start

Verify your current version of Microsoft 365, as recent mandatory updates have permanently changed the interface for the Draw tab and pen tools across all devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize Pen Tools in the New Draw Tab

Since the legacy Favorite Pens list has been permanently removed, you must configure your preferred pens directly within the newly redesigned Draw tab.

Microsoft recently updated the Draw tab across Microsoft 365 applications, replacing the old customizable favorite-pen layout with a unified, tablet-optimized pen menu. While you cannot revert to the old list via settings, you can manually recreate your favorite tools in the new ribbon.

Open the Draw Tab

Launch OneNote and click on the 'Draw' tab located in the top ribbon menu.

Add a New Tool

Click the 'Add Pen' icon (usually a plus symbol) located in the pen tools group.

Select the Pen Type

Choose between a standard Pen, Pencil, or Highlighter based on your typical note-taking needs.

Customize Properties

Click the newly added pen to open its properties menu. Adjust the thickness and ink color to match your previous favorite pens.

Universal Update: This change is not a bug; it is an intentional redesign rolled out to all users, including those on non-touchscreen laptops. Similar changes have also been applied to Microsoft Word.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback to Microsoft

Because there is no universal setting to restore the old layout, submitting user feedback is the best way to request the return of the quick-access feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I revert OneNote to restore the old favorite pens list?

No, Microsoft has rolled out the new Draw tab universally as a permanent update. There is currently no display setting or toggle available to restore the legacy favorite-pen list.

Why did Microsoft remove the favorite pens feature?

Microsoft redesigned the Draw tab to create a unified inking experience across all Microsoft 365 apps. This new design is optimized primarily for tablet and touchscreen use, which unfortunately replaced the older layout.

Is this update only affecting Windows 11 users?

No, the updated Draw tab is tied to your Microsoft 365 subscription version rather than the operating system. Windows 10 users will also experience this change once their Office applications are updated.

Are other Microsoft applications affected by this Draw tab change?

Yes, similar redesigns to the drawing and pen tools have also been implemented in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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