Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix OneNote Tab Colors Changed After an Update

Amos Gikunda Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are experiencing brighter, potentially distracting section tab colors in OneNote following an update, and standard theme settings do not revert the palette.

How to Address OneNote Tab Colors Changing After an Update

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Updating OneNote to version 2302 (build 16130.20332) or a later release.
Observed behavior: Section tab colors appear significantly brighter than before and do not revert to the subdued palette even when switching between Windows light and dark modes.

Before you start

Verify your current OneNote version by navigating to File > Account. Note that modifying your Windows system display themes will not affect this specific application design change.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Feedback to Microsoft Requesting the Previous Palette

Since the brighter color scheme is an intentional design update by Microsoft and lacks a built-in toggle, the most effective action is to submit user feedback requesting an option for the old colors.

Microsoft frequently updates the visual design of its Office applications to align with broader UI changes. The version 2302 update introduced a noticeably brighter color palette for OneNote section tabs.

Because this is an intended interface update rather than a software bug, standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling or modifying dark mode settings will not revert it. The engineering team monitors in-app feedback to guide future updates.

Open the Feedback Menu

Launch Microsoft OneNote and click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the ribbon.

Select Feedback

From the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Feedback' at the bottom of the list.

Choose Feedback Type

Select the 'I Have a Suggestion' or 'I Don't Like Something' option to open the feedback submission form.

Describe Your Request

Clearly explain that the new, brighter tab colors introduced in build 16130.20332 are distracting for professional use or screen sharing, and request a toggle option to restore the previous subdued palette. Click 'Submit' when finished.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft Requesting the Previous Palette

Feedback Impact: Microsoft categorizes and reviews this feedback. A high volume of similar requests often prompts the development team to introduce customizable settings in subsequent updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my OneNote tab colors suddenly become so bright?

Microsoft introduced a new, brighter color palette as an intentional interface design update starting in OneNote version 2302 (build 16130.20332).

Can I fix the bright tabs by changing my Windows theme?

No, changing your Windows theme between Light and Dark modes will not override the new application-specific tab colors introduced in this update.

Is there a registry hack to revert OneNote tab colors?

Currently, there is no known official registry edit or third-party workaround to revert this specific interface change. The update is hardcoded into the application's current build.

Will Microsoft bring back the old tab colors?

Microsoft monitors user feedback submitted via the File > Feedback menu. If a significant number of users report that the bright colors are detrimental to their workflow, Microsoft may provide a toggle setting in a future release.

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