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OneNote for Windows 10 vs Newer Versions: Layout and Navigation Differences
Question details
The user is looking for clarification on the layout and navigation differences between OneNote for Windows 10 and newer OneNote versions, specifically regarding the left-side navigation pane and image search features.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Transitioning to a newer version of OneNote and trying to configure the interface to match the familiar layout of OneNote for Windows 10.
- Observed behavior
- Newer OneNote versions display a different default layout with top-aligned tabs, lacking the side-by-side notebook navigation and left-side layout prominent in OneNote for Windows 10.
Verify whether you are using the unified 'OneNote' desktop app (formerly OneNote 2016) or the older 'OneNote for Windows 10' app, as Microsoft has recently introduced layout updates to bridge the gap between the two.
Enable Vertical Tabs in the Newer OneNote App
Use this solution to restore the familiar left-side navigation pane in the latest versions of the standard OneNote desktop application.
Microsoft has updated the standard OneNote desktop application to include a 'Vertical Tabs' feature. This update allows users who prefer the OneNote for Windows 10 interface to move their notebook and page navigation to the left side of the screen.
Launch your newer version of OneNote and click on the 'View' tab located in the top ribbon.
Look for the 'Tabs Layout' button within the View ribbon.
Click 'Tabs Layout' and select 'Vertical Tabs' from the dropdown menu to snap your navigation panes to the left side.
Submit Feedback for Missing Layout Features
If specific interface elements or text-search functionalities from OneNote for Windows 10 are still missing for you, provide direct feedback to Microsoft.
Try WPS Office for a Consistent and Familiar Interface
If frequent interface changes and layout updates in Microsoft Office apps disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable, unified workspace with an intuitive UI that doesn't constantly force you to relearn how to navigate your documents.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, open the application, and enjoy a unified dashboard for all your office tasks.
- 3. Open Existing Documents: Simply drag and drop your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files into WPS Office to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft change the layout from OneNote for Windows 10?
Microsoft is unifying its OneNote applications into a single desktop app (formerly OneNote 2016). During this transition, the layout was adjusted to accommodate the advanced features of the desktop app while slowly integrating the popular design elements of the Windows 10 version.
How do I search for text within images in the newer OneNote version?
The newer OneNote desktop app supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Simply right-click on an inserted image and select 'Make Text in Image Searchable'. You can also choose 'Copy Text from Picture'. Note that it may take a few moments for the app to process newly pasted images before they become searchable.
Is OneNote for Windows 10 still available to download?
While Microsoft is phasing it out and it is no longer pre-installed on Windows 11, OneNote for Windows 10 can still be found and downloaded from the Microsoft Store for users who heavily rely on its specific layout and sync mechanisms.
