Office Compatibility Issues

OneNote vs. OneNote for Windows 10: Which Version to Choose

Bushra Parveen Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a comparison between the Office OneNote app and OneNote for Windows 10 to decide which version best suits their notebook storage and update needs.

OneNote vs. OneNote for Windows 10: Which Version is Best for You?

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Comparing app features, update support longevity, and local versus cloud notebook storage capabilities.
Observed behavior: Evaluating the differences in storage behavior, where Office OneNote uses local 'Documents\OneNote Notebooks' and OneNote for Windows 10 strictly relies on 'OneDrive\Documents'.

Before you start

Verify which version of OneNote you currently have installed by searching for 'OneNote' in your Windows Start menu.

Solution 1Recommended

Choose the Office OneNote App (Recommended)

Microsoft recommends using the standard OneNote app included with Microsoft Office because it receives ongoing updates and supports offline local storage.

The standard Office OneNote app (simply named 'OneNote') is the primary version actively developed by Microsoft. It is ideal for users who want the latest features and require offline, local storage for their notebooks without being forced to use OneDrive.

Launch the Application

Open the Windows Start menu, type 'OneNote', and select the application simply named 'OneNote' (without the 'for Windows 10' suffix).

Create Local Notebooks

To store a notebook locally, go to File > New, select 'This PC' as the storage destination, and type a name for your notebook.

Locate Saved Files

Access your locally saved notebooks anytime by navigating to 'Documents\OneNote Notebooks' using the Windows File Explorer.

Choose the Office OneNote App (Recommended)

Ongoing Support: This version will continue to receive new features, security updates, and performance improvements directly from Microsoft.

Solution 2

Choose OneNote for Windows 10

Use OneNote for Windows 10 if you prefer a touch-optimized interface and strictly use cloud-based OneDrive storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both OneNote versions installed on my computer at the same time?

Yes, you can have both the Office OneNote app and OneNote for Windows 10 installed simultaneously. However, to avoid confusion, it is recommended to set one as your default application for note-taking.

How do I move my notebooks from OneNote for Windows 10 to the Office version?

Because OneNote for Windows 10 stores all notebooks in OneDrive, you simply need to open the standard Office OneNote app, click File > Open, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select your notebooks from OneDrive.

Why can't I find the option to save locally in OneNote for Windows 10?

OneNote for Windows 10 was designed exclusively for cloud synchronization and does not support offline local storage. To create local notebooks on your hard drive, you must use the standard Office OneNote app.

Office App Problems