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Is the OneNote Desktop App for Microsoft 365 Being Discontinued?
Question details
The user wants to clarify if the desktop version of Microsoft OneNote for Microsoft 365 is being discontinued or replaced entirely by a cloud-only version.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clarifying product lifecycle and distinguishing between the local desktop application and cloud storage integration.
- Observed behavior
- Users hear rumors about the desktop application being replaced by a cloud version and are confused about whether their locally installed 64-bit app will be removed.
Before worrying about application changes, verify your current version of OneNote by checking your account details in the desktop application to see exactly which build you are using.
Verify Your OneNote Desktop App and Cloud Storage Settings
Clarify the difference between where your application is installed and where your data is stored to ensure you are still using the desktop app.
Microsoft offers different OneNote applications depending on your Windows version. Storing notebooks in OneDrive or another cloud service simply means your data is synced online; it does not mean the desktop application itself has been removed or discontinued.
OneNote for Microsoft 365 MSO (including 64-bit versions like 2401) remains a fully functional desktop application. The push toward cloud storage is intended for seamless cross-device syncing, rather than replacing the application itself.
Launch your OneNote application from the Windows Start menu or your desktop shortcut.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the application window, then select 'Account' from the left-hand sidebar.
Look under the 'About OneNote' section to confirm if you are running the Microsoft 365 MSO desktop version (for example, version 2401, 64-bit).
Go to 'File' > 'Info' to see the storage locations of your notebooks. Notebooks saved to OneDrive confirm you are utilizing cloud storage, but the app itself is still running locally on your PC.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If you are concerned about software subscriptions, forced cloud migrations, or complex app lifecycles, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides comprehensive tools for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF editing in one lightweight, unified desktop application without forcing you into cloud-only workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote for Microsoft 365?
OneNote for Windows 10 is an older, pre-installed UWP application, while OneNote for Microsoft 365 is the comprehensive desktop application included in the Microsoft 365 suite. Microsoft has been gradually consolidating these into a single robust desktop app simply called 'OneNote'.
Does saving my notebooks to OneDrive mean I am using a cloud-only app?
No. Saving to OneDrive is simply a cloud storage method that allows your notebooks to sync across all your devices. The OneNote application itself still runs locally on your desktop.
Where can I find the official end-of-life dates for Microsoft applications?
You can find accurate lifecycle and support dates by visiting the official Microsoft Lifecycle Policy website and searching for your specific software version (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps or OneNote 2016).
