How to Fix OneNote Opening Local Files in OneNote 2016
Question details
Users experience local notebook files (.one) opening in OneNote 2016 instead of the OneNote for Windows 10 application.

- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open local .one files using the OneNote for Windows 10 application.
- Observed behavior
- Windows continues to open the local notebook files in OneNote 2016 or another installed OneNote desktop app because OneNote for Windows 10 is retired.
Verify which versions of OneNote are currently installed on your Windows device and check if your notebooks are stored locally on your hard drive or online.
Transition to the Current OneNote Desktop Application
Since OneNote for Windows 10 is retired, it is recommended to use the supported OneNote desktop application to open and manage local files.
The OneNote for Windows 10 application has been officially retired. It is no longer generally available in the Microsoft Store and is not intended to open local .one files.
Microsoft has unified the note-taking experience into a single desktop application, meaning you should transition to the standard OneNote desktop app for managing local notebooks.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your local .one files are stored.
Right-click the .one file, select 'Open with', and choose the current 'OneNote' application from the list.
Check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .one files' to ensure future files open in the correct supported desktop application.

Update Windows Default App Settings
Manually configure your Windows settings to use your preferred active OneNote version for specific file types.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience
While Microsoft transitions between different app versions, managing your daily documents shouldn't be confusing. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and unified suite for all your document needs, fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without the hassle of retired applications.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
- 2. Install the application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office to easily create, edit, and manage all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in one unified workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still download OneNote for Windows 10?
No, Microsoft has retired OneNote for Windows 10, and it is no longer generally available in the Microsoft Store. Users are advised to use the standard OneNote desktop app.
How do I access my notebooks if I do not want to use the desktop app?
If your notebooks are stored online via OneDrive or SharePoint, you can easily access them using OneNote on the web through any modern web browser.
Why did Microsoft replace OneNote for Windows 10?
Microsoft opted to unify its note-taking applications by combining the features of OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote 2016 into a single, comprehensive desktop application to simplify the user experience.




