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How to Fix OneNote Immersive Reader Showing a Blank White Screen

Ayan Masood Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user encounters a continuous loading screen and a blank white display when attempting to launch the Immersive Reader in OneNote.

How to Fix OneNote Immersive Reader Showing a Blank White Screen

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to use the Immersive Reader to read notes aloud or improve reading focus.
Observed behavior: The Immersive Reader displays a white screen, loads continuously, and then shows an error message stating it could not retrieve the information needed to display the text correctly.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection, as the OneNote Immersive Reader relies on cloud servers to process and display text.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Version

Updating OneNote resolves compatibility issues with the Immersive Reader service caused by outdated application builds.

Older versions of OneNote (such as May 2022 releases) or specific bug-affected builds like version 2406 often fail to communicate correctly with Microsoft's Immersive Reader servers. Installing the latest available update typically resolves this connection failure.

Open Account Settings

Launch OneNote on your computer, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Check for Updates

Locate the 'Office Updates' section. Click the 'Update Options' dropdown button and select 'Update Now'.

Restart OneNote

Wait for Microsoft 365 to download and apply the latest updates. Once completed, restart OneNote and test the Immersive Reader feature.

Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Version

Update Verification: After updating, you can verify your build version under the 'About OneNote' section to ensure it is running the latest release.

Solution 2

Join the Microsoft 365 Insider Program

If standard updates do not fix the white screen error, joining the Insider program allows you to download a newer, patched build.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the OneNote Immersive Reader show a blank white screen?

This error occurs when the OneNote application cannot connect to the Microsoft servers required to process the text. It is most commonly caused by an outdated version of OneNote that is no longer fully supported by the backend services.

Can I use the OneNote Immersive Reader offline?

No, the Immersive Reader requires an active internet connection to function. It sends the text data to a cloud service for processing before displaying it in the reading view.

How do I check my current version of OneNote?

To check your version, open OneNote, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Under the 'About OneNote' section, you will see your current version and build number.

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