Office Compatibility Issues

Why the Scratch-Out Gesture is Missing in OneNote 2021

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to use the scratch-out ink gesture but discovers the feature is missing or non-functional in the OneNote 2021 perpetual edition.

Product: Microsoft OneNote 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using a digital pen to take notes and attempting to quickly delete ink by scribbling over it.
Observed behavior: The scratch-out ink gesture does not recognize the pen movement and fails to delete the intended text or ink.

Before you start

Verify your current OneNote version and build number by navigating to File > Account within the application to confirm if your version is eligible for new ink features.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade to a Supported Microsoft 365 Build

Identify your current OneNote version and switch to a Microsoft 365 subscription if you need the latest digital pen features like the scratch-out gesture.

The scratch-out ink gesture is a newer feature that was developed primarily for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Perpetual licenses like OneNote 2021 typically do not receive these continuous feature updates. To use this gesture, you must be on a supported Microsoft 365 Insider build or a newer release, specifically version 2304 or later.

Open Account Settings

Launch OneNote, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and then select 'Account' from the side menu.

Check Version Information

Look under 'About OneNote' to find your version number. Confirm whether you are running a perpetual version (OneNote 2021) or a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Update or Upgrade

If you are using Microsoft 365, click 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' to ensure you are on version 2304 or later. If you are on OneNote 2021, you will need to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription to access the feature.

Feature Availability: Even with Microsoft 365, the scratch-out gesture may initially only be available to users opted into the Microsoft 365 Insider program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the scratch-out gesture ever be added to OneNote 2021?

Microsoft generally reserves new feature updates for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Perpetual editions like OneNote 2021 typically only receive security and bug fixes, so it is highly unlikely the scratch-out gesture will be retroactively added.

What exactly does the scratch-out gesture do in OneNote?

The scratch-out gesture allows users to quickly delete handwritten ink or drawn shapes by scribbling a zig-zag line over them with their digital pen, eliminating the need to manually switch to the eraser tool.

How do I get the Microsoft 365 Insider build to use new features?

To join the Insider program, open any Office app, go to File > Account, click on 'Microsoft 365 Insider', and select 'Join Microsoft 365 Insider'. This will give you early access to new features like the scratch-out gesture.

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