Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix OneNote Pen Gestures and Scratch to Delete Not Working

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is trying to restore functionality to OneNote pen gestures, specifically Scratch to Delete and press-and-hold actions, which are no longer responding.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using a stylus or pen to edit and delete handwritten notes or drawings within the application.
Observed behavior: Pen gestures, including Scratch to Delete and press-and-hold actions, have completely stopped working, often following a recent software update.

Before you start

Verify that your stylus is fully charged, correctly paired via Bluetooth, and that basic touch and pen input is functioning properly in your device's native settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Roll Back Office to a Previous Version

Because a recent Office update introduced a bug that breaks touch and pen features, reverting to a stable previous version is the most effective solution.

Many users have reported that touch-related features in OneNote fail after a specific software update. Using the Command Prompt to roll back your Office installation to an older, stable build can bypass this issue until an official patch is released.

Close All Office Applications

Ensure that OneNote, Word, Excel, and any other Microsoft Office applications are completely closed so the updater can run properly.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Search for 'Command Prompt' or 'cmd' in the Windows Start Menu, right-click the application, and select 'Run as administrator'.

Navigate to the ClickToRun Directory

In the Command Prompt, type 'cd %programfiles%\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun' and press Enter.

Execute the Rollback Command

Type 'Officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17928.20114' and press Enter to begin the downgrade process. Wait for the update window to finish applying the changes.

Disable Automatic Updates: After rolling back, you may want to temporarily turn off automatic updates in Office (File > Account > Update Options > Disable Updates) to prevent the buggy version from reinstalling.

Solution 2

Verify Pen and Windows Ink Settings

Check your system and application settings to ensure that pen gestures and Windows Ink support haven't been accidentally disabled.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless and Bug-Free Experience

If software bugs and frequent updates in Microsoft Office are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative for your everyday document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs.

1. Download the Installer: Navigate to the official WPS website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen prompts to install the suite.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and instantly open your existing Office documents to continue working without interruption.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on older devices without lagging.Built-in PDF editor with robust annotation and digital inking capabilities.Familiar tabbed interface that requires zero learning curve to master.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Scratch to Delete gesture suddenly stop working in OneNote?

This is often caused by a recent bug introduced in a Microsoft Office update that disrupts touch and pen-related features. Rolling back the Office application to a prior version usually restores the gesture functionality.

Will rolling back my Office version delete my existing OneNote notebooks?

No, rolling back the Office installation only replaces the software files on your computer. Your OneNote notebooks are safely synced to your Microsoft account or saved locally, and their contents will not be deleted.

Do pen gestures like Scratch to Delete work with just a finger?

No, specialized pen gestures typically require an active stylus digitizer and proper Windows Ink support to distinguish between drawing and erasing. Basic capacitive touch with a finger usually will not trigger the Scratch to Delete action.

How do I prevent Office from automatically updating again?

You can disable automatic updates by opening any Office application, navigating to File > Account, clicking on 'Update Options' under the Office Updates section, and selecting 'Disable Updates'.

Office App Problems