Office Apps Crashing

How to Fix OneNote Crashing When Using the Pen Tool

Amos Gikunda Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where the OneNote application crashes or freezes immediately upon using a stylus or pen tool.

How to Fix OneNote Crashing When Using the Pen Tool

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows (HP ProBook x360)
Scenario: Attempting to draw, write, or interact with notes in OneNote using a digital pen, often following a recent Windows update.
Observed behavior: The OneNote application stops responding and unexpectedly crashes back to the desktop when the pen tool touches the screen or is activated.

Before you start

Ensure you have synced all your recent notes to OneDrive and saved your work in other applications to prevent data loss before performing repairs or restarting your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable the Class Notebook Add-in and Repair Microsoft 365

Conflicting add-ins and corrupted Office files are common causes for stylus-related application crashes.

The Class Notebook add-in has been identified as a frequent conflict point when using the pen tool in OneNote. Removing it and running an online repair restores the application's core files.

Remove the Add-in

Open OneNote, navigate to 'File' > 'Options' > 'Add-ins'. Select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down menu at the bottom and click 'Go'. Uncheck or completely remove the 'Class Notebook' add-in, then click 'OK'.

Close Running Applications

Close OneNote and ensure no other heavy applications are running in the background.

Run Online Repair

Open the Windows 'Control Panel' and go to 'Programs and Features'. Right-click 'Microsoft 365' (or your Office version) in the list, select 'Change', and choose the 'Online Repair' option. Follow the prompts to complete the repair.

Disable the Class Notebook Add-in and Repair Microsoft 365

Online Repair Duration: An Online Repair requires an active internet connection and may take several minutes to download and reinstall the necessary Office components.

Solution 2

Update Windows, Graphics, and Pen Drivers

Outdated graphics or stylus drivers can cause compatibility issues with OneNote's ink features, especially after a major OS update.

Solution 3

Reimage the Computer (For IT Managed Devices)

If driver updates and Office repairs fail, a deep system-level corruption may be present, requiring an OS reimage.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Stable, Free Note-Taking Experience

If Microsoft OneNote continues to crash on your device, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment for all your document needs, avoiding the bloat and driver conflicts often associated with heavy office suites.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office to easily create new documents or open your existing Microsoft Office files without compatibility issues.

Highly stable alternative to Microsoft Office apps, reducing crashes and freezesFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight design ensures smooth performance on all laptops and tabletsFree to download and use with a familiar, easy-to-learn interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote crash only when I use the pen tool?

This usually happens due to a conflict between the Windows Ink workspace, your specific stylus drivers (commonly seen on devices like the HP ProBook x360), or conflicting application add-ins such as the Class Notebook add-in.

Will repairing Microsoft 365 delete my notes?

No, running an Online Repair for Microsoft 365 will not delete your saved notes. However, it is highly recommended to ensure your notebooks are fully synced to OneDrive before starting the repair process to avoid any accidental data loss.

What should I do if updating drivers doesn't fix the OneNote crash?

If driver updates and Office repairs fail, try running OneNote without any add-ins. If the problem persists across multiple users on identical hardware in an organization, reimaging the computer might be necessary to resolve underlying operating system corruption.

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