How to Fix Missing Pen Pointer in OneNote for Windows 10 with Wacom Tablet
Question details
The user is unable to see the pen pointer while writing in the OneNote for Windows 10 app using a Wacom tablet.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Taking notes or drawing with a Wacom tablet stylus within the OneNote for Windows 10 application.
- Observed behavior
- The pen pointer disappears from the screen while writing and only becomes visible when moved near the edges of the page.
Before proceeding, ensure that your Wacom tablet drivers are fully updated to the latest version and verify that the stylus works normally in other Windows applications.
Switch to the OneNote Desktop App (OneNote 2016/365)
Since the disappearing cursor is a known bug specific to the UWP version of OneNote for Windows 10, switching to the standard desktop version of OneNote resolves the compatibility issue with the Wacom tablet.
Microsoft provides two main versions of OneNote: the 'OneNote for Windows 10' app (which is being phased out) and the standard 'OneNote' desktop app (formerly OneNote 2016). The desktop version handles tablet and stylus inputs more reliably.
Visit the official Microsoft Store or the OneNote website to download the standard OneNote desktop application.
Run the installer, open the OneNote application once finished, and prepare to set up your account.
Sign in with your Microsoft account to automatically sync all your existing notebooks. Test your Wacom pen to confirm the pointer is now visible on the canvas.
Reset and Reinstall OneNote for Windows 10
If you prefer to continue using the Windows 10 specific app, resetting its data or performing a clean installation might fix temporary rendering glitches.
Report the Bug to Microsoft
Because this is a specific interaction bug between the OneNote for Windows 10 version and Wacom drivers, submitting a bug report ensures the development team is aware of the issue.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Wacom pen pointer disappear in certain Windows apps?
This is typically caused by a rendering bug or driver conflict within specific app versions, such as OneNote for Windows 10, where the canvas area fails to render the cursor while the edges remain unaffected.
Can I run OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10 at the same time?
Yes, both versions can be installed and run simultaneously on the same Windows computer. They sync to the same cloud notebooks, allowing you to use whichever version works best for your setup.
Does WPS Office support drawing tablets for annotation?
Yes, WPS Office supports stylus input and drawing tablets. You can smoothly annotate PDFs, sketch on presentations, and highlight Word documents using your Wacom tablet.
Will resetting OneNote for Windows 10 delete my notes?
Resetting the app clears local cache and settings, but your notes will not be lost as long as they have successfully synced to your Microsoft OneDrive account beforehand.
