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How to Find and Use OneNote Ink to Text on Surface Pro 9

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is trying to find a specific pen tool (marked with an 'A') that instantly converts handwriting to text, which they previously used on a Surface Pro 7+, but cannot locate it on their new Surface Pro 9.

How to Find and Use OneNote Ink to Text on Surface Pro 9

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Surface Pro 9
Scenario: Setting up OneNote on a new Surface Pro 9 device and attempting to use the instant handwriting-to-text conversion feature.
Observed behavior: The specific pen tool marked with the letter 'A' is missing in the OneNote interface on the Surface Pro 9, preventing the user from instantly converting ink to text.

Before you start

Ensure your Surface Slim Pen is properly paired via Bluetooth to your Surface Pro 9, and verify whether you are using 'OneNote for Windows 10' or the Microsoft 365 'OneNote' desktop application, as their features differ.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in Ink to Text Tool in OneNote

The standard way to convert handwriting to text in OneNote is by using the Lasso Select tool combined with the Ink to Text button.

The specific pen marked with an 'A' is often not a default OneNote feature but may be tied to a specific Windows Ink setting or third-party add-in. However, you can achieve the exact same result using OneNote's native conversion tools.

Open the Draw Tab

Launch OneNote on your Surface Pro 9 and click on the 'Draw' tab located in the top ribbon.

Write Your Notes

Select any standard pen from the ribbon and use your Surface Pen to handwrite your notes directly onto the page.

Select the Handwriting

Tap the 'Lasso Select' tool in the Draw ribbon, then draw a circle around the handwritten notes you wish to convert.

Convert to Text

Click the 'Ink to Text' button on the ribbon. Your selected handwriting will instantly be converted into typed text.

Use the Built-in Ink to Text Tool in OneNote

App Version Differences: If you cannot find the 'Ink to Text' button, you might be using a version of OneNote that doesn't support it seamlessly without additional language packs. Consider installing OneNote for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, which has strong built-in ink conversion.

Solution 2

Enable the Windows 11 System Handwriting Panel

The instant-conversion pen you previously used was likely the system-wide Windows Ink handwriting feature, which allows you to write in text fields across all apps.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Your Daily Productivity on Surface Pro

If you are setting up your new Surface Pro 9 and need a versatile, lightweight productivity suite, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Office. While it operates differently from OneNote, it provides powerful document editing, spreadsheet management, and PDF annotation tools that work wonderfully with touch and stylus inputs.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office to instantly start creating, editing, and annotating your documents.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx).Robust PDF editing capabilities that support stylus annotations and drawing on your Surface Pro 9.Lightweight, all-in-one application design that saves battery and storage space on your device.Completely free to use with a highly familiar user interface, making migration effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Ink to Text feature missing in my OneNote?

The feature may be missing if you are using an older desktop version of OneNote without the proper language packs, or if you are not signed into a Microsoft 365 account. Ensuring you are using the latest version of OneNote or OneNote for Windows 10 usually resolves this.

Is the pen marked with an 'A' an official OneNote tool?

Not natively in the standard OneNote ribbon. The pen marked with an 'A' is typically associated with the Windows operating system's built-in handwriting panel (Shell Handwriting) or a third-party application installed on your previous device.

Can I use my Surface Pen to write directly in text fields on Surface Pro 9?

Yes. Windows 11 includes a feature called 'Shell Handwriting.' Once enabled in your 'Pen & Windows Ink' settings, you can write directly into any text box across the system, and it will instantly convert to typed text.

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