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How to Fix OneNote Scratch-Out Gesture Not Working
Question details
The user is unable to use the scratch-out gesture for inking in Microsoft OneNote, specifically after updating to version 2405.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use the scratch-out ink gesture to rapidly delete handwritten notes or drawings within a OneNote page.
- Observed behavior
- The scratch-out gesture does not erase the ink as expected, indicating a potential issue with experimental feature deployment, application build, or Microsoft 365 update channels.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and that your device has a stable internet connection to properly verify your current update channel and fetch the latest feature updates.
Verify Your Update Channel and Install Latest Updates
Because the scratch-out gesture is an experimental feature, you must ensure you are on the correct update channel (like the Beta channel) and have the latest software build installed.
Microsoft frequently rolls out experimental inking features gradually. If the scratch-out gesture disappears in version 2405, your Microsoft 365 installation may have fallen out of the Beta channel or a newer build is required.
Open OneNote, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Look under the 'About OneNote' section to confirm your current version (e.g., 2405) and check if it indicates you are on the 'Beta Channel'.
Click the 'Update Options' button next to the version information and select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu to download any pending releases.
If you are not on the Beta channel, click the 'Microsoft 365 Insider' button on the Account page, choose 'Join Microsoft 365 Insider', and select the Beta channel to regain access to experimental features.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft OneNote
If you are confirmed to be on the correct build and channel but the feature is still missing, reinstalling the application can force a refresh of the experimental feature flags.
Looking for a Lightweight and Reliable Office Alternative?
While OneNote is a great tool, Microsoft Office features often change or disappear unexpectedly due to experimental updates. If you want a stable, free, and lightweight office suite, try WPS Office. It provides powerful word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and comprehensive PDF editing tools in one seamless interface.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the straightforward on-screen prompts.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office to instantly begin working on your documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some OneNote features randomly disappear?
Microsoft frequently deploys experimental features to a limited subset of users or specific update channels for testing. If a feature flag is changed server-side, or if your application switches out of a Beta channel during an update, experimental tools like the scratch-out gesture may become temporarily or permanently unavailable.
How do I join the Microsoft 365 Beta channel to get experimental features?
You can join the Beta channel by participating in the Microsoft 365 Insider program. Open File > Account in any Office application, click the Microsoft 365 Insider button, choose 'Join Microsoft 365 Insider', and select the Beta channel from the dropdown options.
Does the scratch-out gesture work in all versions of OneNote?
No, the scratch-out gesture is generally only available in specific recent builds of the OneNote desktop application for Windows (often starting around version 2405 in the Beta channel) and may not function in OneNote for Windows 10 or the web versions.
