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Which OneNote Version to Use After OneNote for Windows 10 Ends
Question details
Users need to know which OneNote application to transition to as OneNote for Windows 10 approaches its end of support, particularly regarding how to organize section groups and access a familiar left-pane layout.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Choosing the correct version of OneNote for organizing notes and section groups following the deprecation of OneNote for Windows 10.
- Observed behavior
- Users are seeking clarity on the differences between the standard desktop OneNote app and OneNote for the web, specifically how to replicate the left navigation pane and section group management.
Ensure your notes are fully synced to your Microsoft or OneDrive account in OneNote for Windows 10 before switching applications to prevent any accidental data loss.
Transition to the Standard OneNote Desktop App
The standard OneNote desktop app (included with Microsoft 365) is the officially supported version replacing OneNote for Windows 10. It includes all modern features and allows you to customize the layout to match what you are used to.
Since OneNote for Windows 10 reaches end of support in October 2025, Microsoft is consolidating its note-taking apps into a single standard OneNote app for Windows. This version contains advanced section group management and can be customized to feature a left-aligned navigation pane.
Search for 'OneNote' in your Windows Start menu. Look for the app simply named 'OneNote' (not OneNote for Windows 10). If it's not installed, you can download it for free from the Microsoft Store.
Launch the application and sign in with the exact same Microsoft account you used for OneNote for Windows 10. Your notebooks will automatically sync from the cloud.
To get the familiar Windows 10 app layout, navigate to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Tabs Layout', and select 'Vertical Tabs'. This will move your sections and pages to the left side.
Right-click anywhere in the left navigation pane and select 'New Section Group'. You can drag and drop your existing sections into these groups to keep your notes highly organized.
Use OneNote for the Web for Quick Access
If you are on a public computer or simply want the most streamlined, familiar left-pane navigation without installing software, OneNote for the web is an excellent alternative.
Looking for a Lightweight Document Solution? Try WPS Office
While you migrate your notes from OneNote for Windows 10, consider WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative for your broader document creation, spreadsheet, and presentation needs. It offers an intuitive interface and robust compatibility with standard office files.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does OneNote for Windows 10 reach end of support?
OneNote for Windows 10 will reach its official end of support in October 2025. After this date, it will no longer receive feature updates or security patches, which is why migrating to the standard OneNote app is strongly advised.
Will I lose my notes when switching from OneNote for Windows 10 to the standard app?
No, your notes are safely stored in your cloud-based OneDrive or Microsoft account. Simply log into the standard OneNote desktop app or OneNote for the web with your existing account credentials to instantly access all your notebooks.
Can I make the standard OneNote desktop app look like OneNote for Windows 10?
Yes. Microsoft updated the standard OneNote desktop app to include a 'Vertical Tabs' option. Simply go to the 'View' tab, click 'Tabs Layout', and choose 'Vertical Tabs' to move your sections and pages to the left-side pane.
