Windows
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 feels like trying to remove a stubborn sticker—except this time, you won’t leave residue behind. ✨ I’ve helped dozens of users cleanly remove OneNote without losing their notes or breaking Office integrations, and the key is knowing which method to use based on how it was installed.
The built-in Windows tools work for standalone versions, but Office bundles require a different approach—one I’ll walk you through step by step.
Most users can uninstall OneNote in under five minutes using Windows Settings or Control Panel, but hidden dependencies often complicate things. If OneNote came bundled with Microsoft Office, you’ll need the Office uninstall tool instead—this is where people usually get stuck.
I’ve documented every path, including PowerShell commands for stubborn cases, so you won’t waste hours digging through registry keys or leftovers.
You’ll end up with OneNote completely removed from your system, no lingering shortcuts or background processes, and your notes safely exported before deletion. The verification steps ensure nothing sneaky remains—like that one time I missed a leftover service that kept reappearing until I checked Task Manager.
Trust me, this method works.
For those who need it, I’ve included troubleshooting for permission errors and alternative tools if OneNote refuses to budge. The process respects your data while giving you control—something that matters when you’re dealing with years of notes or corporate Office setups.
Let’s get started with the cleanest removal path for your specific case.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Windows 10 PC with administrative access (to perform uninstallation)
- ○ Active internet connection (optional but helpful for verifying updates or troubleshooting)
- ● Backup of important OneNote data (highly recommended—export notebooks to OneDrive or another location before proceeding)
- ● Microsoft account credentials (if OneNote is tied to your Microsoft account)
- ● Third-party uninstaller tools (e.g., Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller) for deeper cleanup of leftover files
- ● Windows 10 installation media (USB/DVD) for repair or recovery if needed
- ● Notepad or text editor to jot down any error messages during uninstallation
Step-by-Step instructions for removing OneNote from Windows 10 safely
Here’s the foolproof method I use to completely remove OneNote while keeping your notes intact.
🔧 Step 1: Back Up Your OneNote Data First
Before uninstalling, export your notebooks to avoid losing work. Open OneNote, click File, then Open, and select OneDrive or Computer to locate your notebooks. Right-click any notebook and choose Export to save as a OneNote Package (.onepkg) file to your desktop or external drive.
This ensures you won’t lose critical notes if something goes wrong during removal. I always double-check the export location—Desktop/OneNoteBackup—so I can easily restore later if needed. If you use OneDrive sync, your notebooks are already backed up in the cloud, but exporting adds an extra layer of protection.
💻 Step 2: Uninstall OneNote via Windows Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Apps & features. Scroll down to Microsoft OneNote and click it. Select Uninstall, then confirm by clicking Uninstall again in the pop-up. Wait 1-2 minutes until the process completes—you’ll see a confirmation message when it’s done.
If you don’t see OneNote in the list, it might be installed as part of Office 365. In that case, skip to Step 4—you’ll need to modify the Office installation instead. This method works for the standalone OneNote desktop app only.
⚡ Step 3: Remove Leftover Registry Entries (Advanced)
Open Run with Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OneNote (or 15.0 for older versions) and right-click the OneNote folder to Delete it. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Next, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and look for any OneNote-related entries. Right-click and delete them if found. This step ensures no residual configuration files interfere with future reinstalls. Warning: Only proceed if you’re comfortable editing the registry—back up first!
💡 Step 4: Clean Up Remaining Files and Cache
Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneNote, and delete all files in that folder. Repeat for %programdata%\Microsoft\OneNote. This removes cached data and temporary files that might linger after uninstallation.
For a deeper clean, use CCleaner (free version) to scan for leftover OneNote entries under Windows > Temp and AppData > Local. Run the cleaner and restart your PC. This step is optional but ensures a truly clean system—no hidden traces of OneNote remain.
⏰ Step 5: Verify Removal and Reinstall if Needed
Restart your computer to finalize the uninstall. After reboot, open File Explorer and search for "OneNote"—no files or shortcuts should appear. If you still see OneNote in the Start menu, it’s tied to Office 365, and you’ll need to modify the Office installation via Settings > Apps > Office > Modify.
To confirm a clean removal, try reinstalling OneNote later. If it detects no prior installation, the process worked. If not, repeat Step 3 and Step 4 carefully. This method guarantees a fresh start without data loss.
Tips & tricks for perfect OneNote removal
Here's what I've learned from helping dozens of users completely purge OneNote without data loss—these are the details that make all the difference.
Backup Verification: After exporting your OneNote Package (.onepkg) files in Step 1, I recommend opening one of your exported files to verify it opens correctly. This simple check catches export failures before you proceed with uninstallation. I've seen cases where the export appeared to complete but resulted in corrupted files—always double-check by opening at least one notebook.
Timing Tip for Step 2: Those 1-2 minutes during uninstallation can feel like an eternity, but don't rush it! If you see a progress bar, let it complete fully before proceeding. I've had users interrupt this step and end up with broken shortcuts or half-removed components. The confirmation message is your green light to move forward.
Registry Safety Net: In Step 3, if you're uncomfortable editing the registry, consider creating a system restore point before making any changes. This gives you a safety net if something goes wrong during the registry cleanup. I always create a restore point before any advanced system modifications—it's a free insurance policy for your system stability.
Cleanup Strategy: For Step 4, I recommend running CCleaner in safe mode after your normal cleanup. This ensures you catch any lingering OneNote processes that might be running in the background. The free version works perfectly for this—just focus on the Windows Temp and AppData sections as mentioned. This extra step guarantees no hidden traces remain.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Onenote For Windows 10
- Here's what I've learned from helping dozens of users completely purge OneNote without data loss—these are the details that make all the difference.
- Backup Verification: After exporting your OneNote Package (.onepkg) files in Step 1, I recommend opening one of your exported files to verify it opens correctly.
- Timing Tip for Step 2: Those 1-2 minutes during uninstallation can feel like an eternity, but don't rush it!
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10? You’re not alone! Here are the most common concerns—and their answers—to make your removal process smooth and stress-free.
Will uninstalling OneNote delete my notes?
Nope! Your notes are stored in the cloud (OneDrive) or locally in your OneNote folder. Uninstalling the app only removes the program—your data stays safe. Pro tip: Back up important notes to a USB drive or external storage just in case!
How long does the uninstall process take?
The process is quick—usually under 2 minutes. However, if you’re using OneNote as part of Office 365, you may need to adjust your subscription settings first. Always restart your PC afterward for a clean removal.
Can I still access my notes after uninstalling?
Open OneNote in your browser or use the OneNote for Windows 10 app from the Microsoft Store if you reinstall it later. Your notes sync automatically.
What if OneNote won’t uninstall normally?
Try these fixes:
- Run as Administrator: Right-click the uninstaller and select "Run as administrator."
- Use Control Panel: Go to Programs and Features > Right-click OneNote > Uninstall.
- Reset via PowerShell: Open PowerShell as admin and run:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage
Is there a better alternative to OneNote?
Yes! Consider:
- Google Keep – Simple and cloud-based.
- Notion – Great for organizing notes, tasks, and databases.
- Evernote – Robust features for note-taking and scanning.
- Microsoft Sticky Notes – Lightweight and built into Windows.
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a hassle—you’ve got this! 🎉 By following the steps above, you’ve successfully removed the app while keeping your notes safe and sound. Whether you’re freeing up space or switching to another tool, you’re now one step closer to a streamlined system.
Ready to explore more? Check out our guide on optimizing your Windows 10 startup apps to keep your device running smoothly. Happy computing! 🚀