Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix OneNote Layout Resets and New Notebook Creation After Restart

Phi Hung Vo Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where OneNote loses its customized tab layout and automatically generates a new notebook upon restarting the computer.

How to Fix OneNote Layout Resets and New Notebook Creation After Restart

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Restarting Windows or relaunching the OneNote application.
Observed behavior: OneNote fails to remember previous display preferences and defaults to creating a brand new notebook instead of loading the synchronized user configuration.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection so your existing notebooks can fully sync to OneDrive before you begin any repair procedures.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office

Running an Online Repair replaces damaged Office files that prevent OneNote from saving user preferences upon exit.

If OneNote's configuration files or registry keys are damaged, the application may fail to save your layout preferences and revert to a default state. An Online Repair reinstalls the Office suite components without affecting your personal documents.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then click on 'Apps' or 'Apps & features'.

Locate Microsoft Office

Scroll down your list of installed applications, find your Microsoft Office installation, and select it.

Run the Repair Tool

Click 'Modify' (grant administrative permissions if prompted), select 'Online Repair', and click the 'Repair' button to begin the process.

Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office

Internet Connection Required: The Online Repair option requires an active internet connection to download fresh installation files from Microsoft servers.

Solution 2

Install Updates and Verify Account Synchronization

Updating Windows and verifying your Microsoft account sync can resolve background synchronization conflicts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote keep creating a new notebook after every restart?

This usually happens when OneNote fails to read its local cache or settings file due to system corruption. The application defaults to its factory state, which automatically triggers the creation of a new blank notebook.

Will performing an Online Repair delete my existing OneNote notebooks?

No, an Online Repair only replaces the application's program files. As long as your notebooks are successfully synchronized to your OneDrive account, your notes will remain perfectly safe and accessible.

How can I prevent my OneNote tab layout from resetting?

Ensure you close the OneNote application properly before shutting down or restarting Windows. Forcing the application to close during a restart can prevent it from properly saving your layout preferences to its settings file.

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