Office Settings & Configuration

How to Identify the OneNote Desktop Version in Windows 11

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to determine whether they are running the OneNote desktop application from Microsoft 365 or the cloud-based OneNote for Windows 10 app.

How to Identify Your OneNote Version in Windows 11

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Checking the installed version of OneNote to ensure the correct application is being used for note-taking and configuration.
Observed behavior: The user is unsure which version of OneNote is currently installed and active on their Windows 11 system.

Before you start

Ensure you have the OneNote application open on your Windows 11 computer before proceeding with the version check.

Solution 1Recommended

Check OneNote Version via the File Menu

The most reliable way to identify the OneNote desktop application is by looking for the File menu, which is completely absent in the cloud-based Windows 10 app.

Microsoft provides two main versions of OneNote for Windows users: the comprehensive desktop application (included with Microsoft 365) and the streamlined, cloud-based app. The interface differences make it easy to tell them apart.

Locate the File tab

Open your OneNote application and look at the top-left corner of the window. If you see a 'File' tab, you are using the Microsoft 365 desktop application.

Access account settings

Click on the 'File' tab, then select 'Account' from the left-hand navigation pane.

View version information

Under the 'Product Information' section, click on 'About OneNote' to see the exact version, build number, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of your desktop application.

Identifying the Cloud App: If you do not see a 'File' tab at the top left of your screen, you are currently using the cloud-based OneNote for Windows 10 application.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Free, Comprehensive Office Suite?

If you are exploring different Office applications on Windows 11, consider WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a familiar interface and seamless document management for all your productivity needs.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
2. Run the setup: Open the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Start creating: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing Microsoft Office documents or start a new project.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight installation that runs fast and smoothly on Windows 11.Familiar user interface for a quick and seamless migration.Built-in PDF editing, tabbed viewing, and cloud synchronization for easy document access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between OneNote and OneNote for Windows 10?

OneNote (formerly called OneNote 2016) is the comprehensive desktop application included with Microsoft 365, offering advanced features like local file support. OneNote for Windows 10 is a pre-installed, cloud-based UWP app with a simplified interface that syncs exclusively via OneDrive.

Can I have both versions of OneNote installed on Windows 11?

Yes, you can have both the Microsoft 365 OneNote desktop application and OneNote for Windows 10 installed simultaneously on your Windows 11 PC. They operate independently of each other.

How do I update my OneNote desktop application?

To update the OneNote desktop app, open the application, click on 'File', select 'Account', click on 'Update Options' under the Product Information section, and choose 'Update Now'.

Why am I missing features in my OneNote app?

If you are missing advanced features like local backups, custom tags, or COM add-ins, you are likely using the cloud-based OneNote for Windows app instead of the fully-featured Microsoft 365 desktop version.

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