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How to Disable Smooth Ink in OneNote and Windows
Question details
The user wants to completely disable ink smoothing in OneNote and Windows because the feature continues to alter handwriting even when toggled off.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote and Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Drawing or taking handwritten notes using a pen stylus in OneNote on a Windows device.
- Observed behavior
- Ink smoothing applies automatically despite being disabled, causing ruled lines and nearby handwriting to unexpectedly shift and distort during the smoothing process.
Ensure your stylus or pen is fully charged and properly paired with your Windows device via Bluetooth before modifying advanced ink settings.
Configure Windows Pen Settings and Calibrate Display
Adjust both Windows and OneNote internal settings to stop automated ink smoothing, then calibrate the screen for accurate touch response.
Often, disabling ink smoothing in the application alone is not enough if Windows system settings or outdated drivers are overriding the software preferences. A combination of settings adjustments and screen calibration is required.
Navigate to Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink to review and adjust your current system-wide pen behavior.
Open OneNote, go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll to the Pen section, and ensure that 'Smooth ink when drawing with a pen' is unchecked.
Install the latest updates for Windows, Microsoft Office, and your specific pen or touchscreen drivers through Windows Update or your device manufacturer's website.
Search for 'Calibrate the screen for pen and touch input' in the Windows search bar, open the utility, and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your display calibration.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Note-Taking and Document Editing
If you are experiencing persistent bugs with OneNote or Microsoft Office ink settings, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible suite for creating, editing, and annotating documents without restrictive automated formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote keep smoothing my handwriting after I turn it off?
This usually happens due to a conflict between OneNote's internal settings and system-wide Windows Ink settings. Updating your stylus drivers and recalibrating the screen can help resolve the conflict and force the software to respect your preferences.
Will disabling Windows Ink affect my pen pressure sensitivity?
Depending on your drawing application, disabling Windows Ink entirely in system settings may disable pressure sensitivity. However, simply unchecking the smooth ink option within OneNote should preserve your pressure sensitivity while stopping the automatic line adjustment.
How do I access pen calibration on Windows 11?
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', navigate to 'Hardware and Sound', and select 'Tablet PC Settings'. From there, click the 'Calibrate' button to precisely configure your pen and touch display.
