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Office Settings & Configuration

How to Show the Pen Toolbar in OneNote on Windows 11

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is trying to locate and display the pen toolbar in OneNote, which appears to be missing during use.

How to Show the Pen Toolbar in OneNote on Windows 11
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Windows 11
Scenario
Attempting to use drawing tools or ink features in OneNote, especially within Full Page View.
Observed behavior
The pen toolbar is missing or hidden depending on the specific OneNote version installed and whether the application is in Full Page View.
Before you start

Determine whether you are currently using 'OneNote for Windows 10' or the standard 'OneNote' desktop application, as their interfaces and toolbar behaviors differ significantly on Windows 11.

Solution 1Recommended

Access the Pen Toolbar via the Draw Tab

The most direct way to find your pen tools is to navigate to the dedicated Draw tab on the application ribbon.

1
Open OneNote

Launch your OneNote application on your Windows 11 computer.

2
Select the Draw tab

Click on the 'Draw' tab located on the top ribbon menu. This will display all available pens, highlighters, and drawing tools.

Access the Pen Toolbar via the Draw Tab
Version Differences: The standard OneNote app and OneNote for Windows 10 display these pens slightly differently. If the Draw tab is missing, ensure your ribbon is not collapsed.
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  1. 1. Download the Installer: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
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  3. 3. Use Drawing Tools: Open a document in WPS Writer or PDF and access the comprehensive 'Draw' or 'Comment' tabs to start annotating immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my pen toolbar disappear in OneNote on Windows 11?

This usually happens when you enter Full Page View in the standard desktop version of OneNote on Windows 11, which automatically hides the top ribbon and the associated pen tools to maximize reading space.

Does OneNote for Windows 10 support drawing in Full Page View?

Yes, unlike the standard OneNote application, OneNote for Windows 10 fully supports displaying and using the pen toolbar while the application is set to Full Page View.

Where can I find the pen tools in OneNote?

You can find all available pens, highlighters, and drawing tools by clicking on the 'Draw' tab located in the top ribbon menu of the application.

How can I download OneNote for Windows 10?

You can download OneNote for Windows 10 for free directly from the Microsoft Store application on your PC by searching for 'OneNote for Windows 10' in the store's search bar.