How to Fix OneNote Keeps Adding Green Highlighter Buttons to Toolbar
Question details
The user needs a solution to stop OneNote from automatically reapplying deleted green highlighter buttons to the application toolbar.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the application toolbar to remove unnecessary tools.
- Observed behavior
- The green highlighter buttons repeatedly reappear on the toolbar after being removed. The issue persists across multiple computers and notebooks, and repairing or resetting the application does not fix it. OneNote Online remains unaffected.
Ensure that your OneNote application is updated to the latest build, and verify that your notebooks are fully synced before attempting any administrative fixes.
Escalate the Issue to Microsoft 365 Support
Because this bug affects multiple installations and persists after a software reset, it requires a formal support request via the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Since standard troubleshooting methods such as repairing or resetting the OneNote application do not resolve this persistent UI bug, it is highly likely tied to a deeper account sync issue or a known software glitch. The most effective route is to have your administrator escalate it to Microsoft directly.
Collect your current OneNote version number, affected user account details, device specifications, and any screenshots or screen recordings showing the highlighter buttons reappearing.
Reach out to your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator and explain the cross-device nature of the issue.
Have the administrator log into the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to the Support section, and create a new service request using the details you gathered.
Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Bug-Free Experience
If recurring toolbar bugs and syncing issues in Microsoft Office applications are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and highly customizable alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface where your preferences stay saved.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Go to the official WPS website, download the free installer, and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set it up on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with full format compatibility.
- 3. Customize Your Workspace: Adjust your toolbars and ribbon preferences easily, knowing your settings will remain stable and saved locally without unexpected resets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do deleted tools keep reappearing in my Office toolbar?
This generally happens when the application fails to save local UI preferences to your user profile, or when a cloud synchronization bug continually restores an older layout state across your devices.
Will reinstalling or repairing OneNote solve this problem?
According to user reports, standard troubleshooting steps like running the Office Repair tool or resetting the OneNote application do not resolve this specific highlighter button issue. It requires backend support from Microsoft.
Is there a way to use OneNote without encountering this bug?
Yes, this issue appears to be isolated to the desktop versions of the application. Using OneNote Online through your web browser is a reliable workaround, as it does not exhibit this toolbar behavior.
