How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Create a New OneNote Quick Note
Question details
The user wants to know the keyboard shortcut to open a Quick Note in Microsoft OneNote from outside the application.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to quickly capture thoughts or notes using a keyboard shortcut without fully opening the OneNote application.
- Observed behavior
- The shortcut available depends on the OneNote version. In some cases, shortcuts like Windows+N do not work as expected, leading to confusion about which version is installed and how to access Quick Notes.
Identify which version of OneNote you are using (e.g., OneNote for Windows 10 or OneNote 2016/2021), as the shortcut behavior varies between them.
Use Default Keyboard Shortcuts for OneNote Desktop
Use the built-in Windows shortcuts for traditional desktop versions of OneNote (2016, 2019, 2021).
The desktop versions of OneNote come with built-in global shortcuts that allow you to create notes from anywhere in Windows.
Press the Windows and N keys simultaneously on your keyboard to instantly open a new Quick Note window.
For the shortcut to work, ensure that the OneNote icon is enabled in the Windows taskbar notification area, as this process requires it to be running in the background.
Enable OneNote Icon in the System Tray
If shortcuts are unresponsive, ensure the OneNote notification area icon is active.
Verify Your OneNote Version
Determine if you are using OneNote for Windows 10 or a desktop release, as their features and shortcuts differ.
Discover WPS Office for Seamless Note-Taking and Document Management
While OneNote is great for quick notes, managing comprehensive documents, spreadsheets, and presentations requires a robust suite. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that is highly compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Create a New Document: Open WPS Office and use the tabbed workspace to create a new Writer document for your detailed notes.
- 3. Save and Export: Save your notes in standard formats like .docx to ensure full compatibility with Microsoft Word and easy sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Windows+N shortcut not work on my computer?
The Windows+N shortcut is designed for the desktop versions of OneNote (like 2016 or 2021). If you are using OneNote for Windows 10, or if the OneNote background process is not running in your system tray, the shortcut will not respond.
How can I tell which version of OneNote I have installed?
Open the OneNote application and look at the top ribbon. If you see a 'File' menu, you are using a desktop version (e.g., OneNote 2016 or 2021). If there is no 'File' menu, you are using OneNote for Windows 10.
Can I create a desktop shortcut for a Quick Note?
Yes, you can create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking your desktop, selecting New > Shortcut, and entering the path to the OneNote executable followed by the /sidenote switch, provided you are using the desktop version of OneNote.
Is there a shortcut to take a screen clipping in OneNote?
Yes, in older versions of Windows and OneNote, Windows+Shift+S would trigger the OneNote screen clipper. In modern Windows 10 and 11, this shortcut opens the Snip & Sketch tool, which can also be pasted directly into your notes.
