How to Show the Pen Toolbar in OneNote on Windows 11
Question details
The user is trying to locate and display the pen toolbar in OneNote, which appears to be missing during use.

- 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.
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.
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.
Launch your OneNote application on your Windows 11 computer.
Click on the 'Draw' tab located on the top ribbon menu. This will display all available pens, highlighters, and drawing tools.

Troubleshoot Missing Pens in Full Page View
If the pen toolbar disappears when you enter Full Page View, you may need to adjust your view settings or switch to a version that supports it.
Submit Feedback for Missing Features
If the current Full Page View behavior in Windows 11 limits your workflow, you can submit a feature request directly to Microsoft.
Experience Seamless Document Annotation with WPS Office
While Microsoft OneNote has specific version limitations for drawing tools in Windows 11, WPS Office provides a lightweight, comprehensive alternative for all your document needs. Enjoy robust annotation and drawing tools directly in your PDFs, Word documents, and Presentations without worrying about confusing version differences.
- 1. Download the Installer: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- 3. Use Drawing Tools: Open a document in WPS Writer or PDF and access the comprehensive 'Draw' or 'Comment' tabs to start annotating immediately.

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.




