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Fix OneNote Draw and Hold & Scribble Erase Gestures in Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to restore the Draw and Hold and scribble-to-erase gestures in OneNote, as the associated settings have disappeared.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to use inking features and gestures with a drawing tablet or stylus for note-taking.
- Observed behavior
- The Draw and Hold and scribble-to-erase gestures are not working. Additionally, the 'scratch-out gesture while inking' option is entirely missing from settings despite reinstalling and updating the application.
Ensure your Windows 11 operating system is fully up to date and verify if the issue persists when using a standard mouse instead of your dedicated drawing tablet.
Check Hardware Conflicts and Account Restrictions
Determine if the issue is caused by third-party drawing tablet drivers or limitations set by an educational account.
Sometimes, third-party tablet drivers (like Huion) can conflict with Windows Ink features, causing gestures to fail. Additionally, school or university accounts using Class Notebooks might have specific administrative policies that restrict certain inking features.
Physically unplug your drawing tablet (e.g., Huion HS64) and restart OneNote. Test if the 'scratch-out gesture while inking' option reappears when navigating with a standard mouse.
Go to File > Account in OneNote. Check if you are signed in with an education account. If you are in a Class Notebook, verify with your administrator if inking features are restricted.
Test with a New Local Windows Account
Create a fresh user profile to rule out corrupted user settings or registry keys affecting OneNote.
Roll Back OneNote to an Earlier Version
Revert to a previous build of Microsoft Office if the gestures disappeared after a recent software update.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If you continue to experience missing features or bugs with OneNote and Office updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without the hassle of missing settings.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office, then launch the application from your desktop.
- 3. Open Your Files: Easily import or open your existing documents, PDFs, and notes to continue your work without missing a beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'scratch-out gesture while inking' missing in OneNote?
This setting can disappear due to a bug in recent Office updates, conflicts with third-party drawing tablet drivers (like Huion or Wacom), or restrictions applied if you are using an educational or organizational account.
How do I ensure my drawing tablet works correctly with Windows Ink?
Open your drawing tablet's dedicated software settings (e.g., Huion Tablet app) and ensure the 'Enable Windows Ink' option is checked. This allows Windows 11 and applications like OneNote to recognize pen pressure and gestures.
Can I use gestures with a regular mouse in OneNote?
Most drawing and inking gestures, like 'Draw and Hold' or 'Scribble Erase', are specifically designed for stylus inputs. While you can draw with a mouse, advanced pen-specific gestures will generally not function.
