How to Download & Install OneNote on Windows 11 or 10?
There are multiple versions of OneNote available for Windows users. Understanding which version you need will help you install the correct one.
The first version is the Microsoft Store version of OneNote. This version is optimized for modern Windows systems and receives automatic updates through the Store. It is lightweight and ideal for most users.
The second version comes bundled with Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. If you already have Microsoft 365 installed, OneNote may already be included on your system.
The third option is downloading OneNote directly from the official Microsoft website. This method is useful if you do not prefer installing apps through the Store or if you are using a work or school device with certain restrictions.
In this guide, I will explain each step in detail so that you can download and install OneNote on your Windows 11 or 10 device easily!
How to Download & Install OneNote on Windows 11 or 10?
To download and install Microsoft OneNote on Windows 11 or Windows 10:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Search for OneNote in the search bar.
- Click on Microsoft OneNote from the results.
- Select Get or Install to begin downloading.
- Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Alternatively, you can download OneNote from the official Microsoft website or install it through a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Now, let us go through each step carefully.
Step 1: Check Your Windows Version and System Requirements
Before downloading Microsoft OneNote, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements.
On Windows 11 or Windows 10, click the Start button and open Settings. Navigate to System and then select About. Check your Windows version and system type.
OneNote works smoothly on:
- Windows 10 version 1903 or later
- All versions of Windows 11
- At least 4 GB RAM recommended
- Stable internet connection for download and sync
- A Microsoft account for sign-in
If your system meets these requirements, you can proceed to download.
Step 2: Open the Microsoft Store on Windows
The easiest and safest method to install OneNote is through the Microsoft Store.
Click on the Start menu and type Microsoft Store in the search bar. Open the app from the search results. Once the Store opens, make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.
If you are not signed in, click on the profile icon in the top right corner and sign in using your email address and password.
Using the Microsoft Store ensures that you get the latest version of OneNote with automatic updates.
Step 3: Search for Microsoft OneNote
Inside the Microsoft Store, locate the search bar at the top.
Type OneNote and press Enter. From the search results, select the official app developed by Microsoft. Make sure it displays Microsoft Corporation as the publisher to avoid confusion with third-party apps.
Click on the OneNote listing to open its product page. Here you will see screenshots, system requirements, reviews, and app details.
Step 4: Download and Install OneNote
On the OneNote product page, click the Get or Install button.
The download will begin automatically. The time required depends on your internet speed. Since OneNote is not very large in size, it usually installs within a few minutes.
Once installation is complete, the button will change to Open. This indicates that OneNote has been successfully installed on your Windows PC.
You can now launch it directly from the Store or find it later in the Start menu.
Step 5: Launch OneNote from the Start Menu
After installation, click the Start button and type OneNote.
Select the app from the search results to open it. The first time you launch OneNote, it may take a few seconds to initialize.
You will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. This step is important because OneNote syncs your notebooks through OneDrive.
If you already have notes stored in the cloud, they will automatically appear once you sign in.
Step 6: Sign In and Set Up Your Notebook
Enter your Microsoft account email and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free.
After signing in, OneNote will either open an existing notebook or prompt you to create a new one.
Click Create Notebook and choose a name. Select the location, usually OneDrive, and confirm.
Now your OneNote application is fully set up and ready to use.
Read: OneNote Is Unresponsive While Typing: How to Fix?
Alternative Methods
1. Download OneNote from the Official Microsoft Website
If you prefer not to use the Microsoft Store, you can download OneNote directly from the official Microsoft website.
Open your browser and search for the Microsoft OneNote download page. Visit the official website hosted by Microsoft.
Click on the Download button. If prompted, choose the version compatible with Windows.
Once the setup file downloads, double-click the installer file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After installation, launch the application and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Install OneNote via Microsoft 365
If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, OneNote may be included.
Open the Microsoft 365 dashboard in your browser and sign in. Go to your account page and select Install Office.
Download the Office installer and run it. The installation package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
After installation is complete, you can open OneNote from the Start menu.
This version is often referred to as OneNote for Microsoft 365 and may include additional advanced features.
Update OneNote on Windows
If you installed OneNote via the Microsoft Store, updates happen automatically.
To manually check for updates, open the Microsoft Store, click on Library, and select Get Updates.
If you installed it through Microsoft 365, updates are handled through the Office update system. Open any Office app, go to Account, and click Update Options, then select Update Now.
Keeping OneNote updated ensures better security and new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OneNote free for Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes, the Microsoft Store version of OneNote is completely free. You only need a Microsoft account to use it.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to use OneNote?
No, you do not need a Microsoft 365 subscription. However, Microsoft 365 provides additional features and integration.
Can I use OneNote offline?
Yes, OneNote allows offline note-taking. Your notes will sync automatically once you reconnect to the internet.
Where are OneNote files stored?
By default, notebooks are stored in OneDrive. If using the Microsoft 365 desktop version, files may also be stored locally.
How much storage does OneNote use?
Storage depends on your usage. The app itself is lightweight, but notebooks stored in OneDrive count against your cloud storage limit.
Can I uninstall OneNote if I no longer need it?
Yes, go to Settings, select Apps, find OneNote, and click Uninstall.