Why OneNote Shows Only 25 Symbols and Missing 'More Symbols' Option
Question details
The user is unable to find the 'More Symbols' option in OneNote, as the menu is restricted to a default list of exactly 25 symbols.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Inserting special characters or symbols into notes.
- Observed behavior
- The Symbols menu only displays a predefined set of 25 symbols and lacks the 'More Symbols' option entirely.
Verify whether you have multiple versions of OneNote installed on your computer, as Windows often includes both the streamlined OneNote for Windows 10 and the robust desktop version.
Switch to the Desktop Version of OneNote
OneNote for Windows 10 has a restricted symbol menu. Switching to the Microsoft 365 desktop app restores the full character map.
OneNote for Windows 10 is designed as a streamlined application, which inherently limits the Symbol menu to 25 default characters. To access the full 'More Symbols' dialog, you need to use the desktop version of OneNote included with Microsoft 365.
Click the Windows Start menu and type 'OneNote' in the search bar.
Look for the application simply named 'OneNote'. Avoid clicking on 'OneNote for Windows 10'.
Open the desktop app, go to the Ribbon at the top, and click the 'Insert' tab, then click 'Symbol'.
Click 'More Symbols' at the bottom of the dropdown to access the complete character map.
Use the Windows Character Map as a Workaround
If you prefer or must use OneNote for Windows 10, you can copy symbols directly from the built-in Windows Character Map.
Insert Symbols Using the Windows Keyboard Shortcut
Windows provides a system-wide emoji and symbol keyboard that bypasses OneNote's limited menu entirely.
Try WPS Office for Comprehensive Document Editing
Tired of dealing with confusing version differences and missing features in Microsoft apps? WPS Office provides a fully-featured, unified suite for your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers complete symbol libraries and character maps without restrictive app versions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
- 2. Create a new document: Open WPS Writer to start a new document or open an existing file.
- 3. Access all symbols: Navigate to the Insert tab, click 'Symbol', and instantly access hundreds of special characters without limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the 'More Symbols' button to OneNote for Windows 10?
No, OneNote for Windows 10 has a fixed, simplified interface that only supports the 25 predefined symbols. You must switch to the desktop version of OneNote to access the full 'More Symbols' menu.
Is OneNote for Microsoft 365 different from OneNote for Windows 10?
Yes, they are two separate applications. OneNote for Microsoft 365 (often just called 'OneNote') is the robust desktop version with complete Ribbon menus, while OneNote for Windows 10 is a simplified app designed for touchscreens.
How can I type special characters in OneNote without using a menu?
You can use Alt codes if your keyboard has a numeric keypad. Hold the 'Alt' key, type the specific numeric code for your desired symbol on the numpad, and release 'Alt' to make the symbol appear.
Will Microsoft update OneNote for Windows 10 to include more symbols?
Microsoft is currently consolidating its note-taking apps and shifting development focus back to the main desktop 'OneNote' application, so major feature updates for the Windows 10 specific version are highly unlikely.
