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Fix OneNote Desktop Not Syncing on Windows 11
Question details
The user is unable to sync their complete online notebooks to the newer OneNote desktop application, despite synchronization working perfectly on the older OneNote for Windows 10 version.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync existing online notebooks to the newer OneNote desktop app, and trying to update or reinstall the app via the Microsoft Store.
- Observed behavior
- The desktop application fails to sync the notebooks. Furthermore, attempts to fix it by reinstalling via the Microsoft Store are blocked because the 'Get' button is grayed out or disabled.
Log into OneNote on the web using your browser to verify that all your notebooks are fully updated and securely stored in OneDrive to prevent any accidental data loss during troubleshooting.
Verify Microsoft Account and Reopen Notebooks
Ensure the desktop app is using the correct account credentials and force a fresh sync from OneDrive.
Sync issues often occur if the newer desktop application is signed into a different Microsoft account than the one holding your notebooks, or if the local notebook cache is out of sync with OneDrive.
Open the OneNote desktop app, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account'. Verify that the connected user information exactly matches the Microsoft account you use for OneDrive.
Right-click on the name of the notebook that is not syncing in the left pane and select 'Close This Notebook'.
Go to 'File' > 'Open', select your OneDrive account under 'Open from other locations', and click on the notebook to download a fresh, fully synced copy to your desktop.
Repair or Reset OneNote via Windows Settings
Use the built-in Windows Settings to fix the application if the Microsoft Store 'Get' button is disabled.
Experience Seamless Cloud Syncing with WPS Office
If you are frustrated with application sync errors and complicated Microsoft Store installations, switch to WPS Office. It delivers a lightweight, reliable, and unified workspace for all your document needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Features: Launch WPS Office and sign in with your email or Google account to instantly activate 1GB of free WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Create and Sync: Start creating your documents. All changes are automatically saved and synced to the cloud, accessible from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Get' button grayed out in the Microsoft Store for OneNote?
This typically occurs if the operating system detects that the app is already installed on your system, or if there is an issue with the Microsoft Store cache. Using the Windows Settings 'Advanced options' to repair the app is the best workaround.
Are OneNote for Windows 10 and the OneNote desktop app the same?
No. OneNote for Windows 10 is an older UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application, while the newer 'OneNote' (formerly OneNote 2016) is the unified desktop application included with Microsoft 365 and is the version currently receiving new features.
Will resetting the OneNote app delete my notebooks?
Resetting the app via Windows Settings clears the local cache and app data. As long as your notebooks are securely stored and synced to OneDrive, your data is safe. You will simply need to sign back in and reopen your notebooks from the cloud.
