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How to Fix OneNote Pen Toolbar Missing in Vertical Surface Orientation
Question details
The user needs to restore the OneNote pen toolbar, which disappears when a Surface device is rotated to a vertical (portrait) orientation.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using OneNote with a Surface device, specifically when rotating the screen to read or write in portrait mode.
- Observed behavior
- The pen icon and toolbar disappear completely from the OneNote interface upon switching to vertical orientation, hindering the ability to use drawing tools.
Ensure your Surface device has the latest Windows updates installed and that your OneNote application is updated to the most recent version to rule out known software bugs.
Change OneNote Optimization Setting to Battery Life
Adjusting the application's optimization settings can restore the pen toolbar in vertical mode without making your system-wide interface elements too small.
This method is highly recommended as it resolves the toolbar disappearance without altering your overall Windows scaling, ensuring other applications remain comfortable to use.
Launch Microsoft OneNote, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the menu.
In the Options window, click on the 'Advanced' tab on the left pane and scroll down to the 'Battery Options' or 'Optimization' section.
Change the optimization setting to 'Battery life' or 'Maximum battery life' depending on your specific version of OneNote.
Click 'OK' to save the changes, restart OneNote, and rotate your Surface device vertically to check if the pen toolbar remains visible.
Adjust Windows Display Scaling to 100%
If changing optimization settings does not work, modifying the system display scaling to 100% can force the toolbar to appear.
Experience Seamless Document Editing with WPS Office
If you are experiencing persistent UI issues or scaling bugs with Microsoft Office applications on your Surface device, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a familiar user interface that adapts smoothly to any screen orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the pen toolbar disappear only in vertical orientation?
This is typically caused by UI scaling conflicts. When the device is rotated vertically, the horizontal screen space is reduced. The application attempts to optimize the display by hiding certain interface elements, which inadvertently causes the pen toolbar to disappear.
Will setting my display scaling to 100% affect other Windows apps?
Yes, changing the Windows display scaling affects the entire operating system. It will make text, desktop icons, and menus smaller across all applications, which might make touch interactions more difficult on smaller screens like the Surface Go.
Can I pin the pen toolbar so it never hides?
While you cannot force the dynamic pen toolbar to stay visible if a scaling bug hides it, you can add specific drawing tools directly to your Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) at the top of the window by right-clicking the tools and selecting 'Add to Quick Access Toolbar'.
