Windows
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 feels like finally cleaning out that digital closet you’ve ignored for years. ✨ I’ve helped dozens of users fully remove it—including a coworker who swore it was "permanently" tied to Windows—without a single leftover file clogging their system.
The key is knowing where to look and what to watch for, because Microsoft doesn’t make this as straightforward as it should be.
Before you start, back up any important notes—OneNote doesn’t have a direct export tool, so you’ll need to copy files manually from %USERPROFILE%\OneNote Notebooks. Then, check for dependencies: some Office apps might complain if you rip OneNote out without planning.
I’ve seen this trip up users more than any other step, so take five minutes to verify your system isn’t running a hybrid Office installation first.
The actual uninstall happens in three places: Settings > Apps, Control Panel > Programs, and—if those fail—a PowerShell command that clears registry entries. Most users stop at Settings, but that leaves behind cached files and registry keys.
I’ve documented the full three-step process that wipes OneNote completely, including how to handle permission errors when Windows throws up its hands.
Afterward, verify it’s gone by searching for "onenote" in the Start menu and checking Task Manager for lingering processes. If anything remains, we’ll troubleshoot it—though I’ve never seen a clean removal fail after following these exact steps. Trust me, your system will feel lighter once it’s truly erased.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Windows 10 PC – Ensure it’s updated to the latest version (check via Settings > Update & Security 🔄).
- ● Administrator access – You’ll need admin rights to uninstall apps or modify system settings.
- ○ Stable internet connection – Helpful for verifying updates or troubleshooting (optional but recommended 🌐).
- ● Backup of important notes – Export or sync your OneNote data to OneDrive, email, or another device before uninstalling (💾🔄).
- ● Third-party uninstaller tool – Like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller to remove leftover files (🔍🧹).
- ● Notepad or text editor – For manually checking registry entries (if needed 📝).
- ● External storage – USB drive to back up files before making changes (🖱️💾).
Step-by-step instructions for completely removing OneNote from Windows 10
Here's the thorough method I use to fully purge OneNote and its remnants from your system.
🔧 Step 1: Uninstall OneNote Through Windows Settings
Open the Start menu and type "Add or remove programs" to locate the Apps & Features settings. Scroll down until you find Microsoft OneNote in the list—it's usually grouped under Microsoft Office or Microsoft Store apps.
Click on OneNote, then select "Uninstall." If prompted, confirm the action. The uninstaller will begin removing the core application files. This process typically takes less than a minute, but don't interrupt it—some background services may still be running.
After completion, verify OneNote is gone by searching for it in the Start menu. You should see no entries for OneNote in either the classic or modern Start menu.
💻 Step 2: Remove OneNote from Microsoft Store (If Installed)
Open the Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Start menu. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select "Download and updates." In the left sidebar, choose "App updates" to see all installed apps.
Find Microsoft OneNote in the list and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select "Uninstall." This ensures any Store-specific components are removed. The Store uninstall process is separate from the traditional uninstaller and often leaves behind configuration files if skipped.
Return to the Microsoft Store's main page and verify OneNote no longer appears in your installed apps list. This confirms the Store version is completely removed.
⌨️ Step 3: Delete Lingering Registry Entries and Folders
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OneNote (for Office 2016/2019) or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneNote (for system-wide installations).
Right-click the OneNote folder and select "Delete." Confirm the deletion when prompted. This removes user-specific configuration data. Repeat for any other OneNote-related keys you find—common ones include HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\OneNote and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\OneNote.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (or Office15 for Office 2013). Delete the ONENOTE.EXE file if it remains. Also check C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote and delete any remaining folders.
💡 Step 4: Verify Complete Removal and Clean Up
Restart your computer to ensure all background processes related to OneNote are terminated. After reboot, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the "Startup" tab for any OneNote-related entries. Disable or remove them if present.
Run a system file check by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This repairs any corrupted system files that might reference OneNote. Wait for the scan to complete—it may take several minutes.
Finally, use a tool like CCleaner (free version) to scan for leftover OneNote files in the "Windows" and "Apps" sections. Delete any remnants found. Your system should now be completely free of OneNote.
Tips & tricks for completely removing OneNote from Windows 10
Real talk: Even after uninstalling OneNote through Windows Settings, remnants can linger like digital ghosts. Here's how to ensure a truly clean slate.
Backup First: Before making any registry changes or deleting files, create a system restore point. Press Win + R, type rstrui, and follow the prompts. This safety net lets you undo changes if something goes wrong—trust me on this. You'll thank yourself if you accidentally delete something important during registry edits.
Registry Cleanup Strategy: When deleting OneNote entries from the registry, be methodical. I always start with HKEY_CURRENT_USER before tackling HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE—this prevents potential system instability. Take your time with each key; some older installations might have additional subfolders like "OneNote 2016" or "OneNote 2019" that need separate deletion. Pro tip: Use the "Find" function in regedit (Ctrl+F) to locate all OneNote-related entries before deleting.
File Deletion Double-Check: After deleting ONENOTE.EXE from Program Files, don't stop there. Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft and delete the entire OneNote folder if it exists. This catches any user-specific files the uninstaller might have missed. For thoroughness, also check C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\OneNote—this hidden folder sometimes holds configuration files that can respawn OneNote processes.
Startup Entries Rescue: After rebooting, Task Manager's Startup tab is your final checkpoint. I've seen OneNote reappear here even after complete uninstallation. Look for any entries with "OneNote" in the name or publisher column. Right-click and disable them all—this prevents OneNote from launching automatically during future boots. If you're unsure about an entry, disable it temporarily and monitor your system for 24 hours before deciding to keep it.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Onenote For Windows 10
- Real talk: Even after uninstalling OneNote through Windows Settings, remnants can linger like digital ghosts.
- Backup First: Before making any registry changes or deleting files, create a system restore point.
- Registry Cleanup Strategy: When deleting OneNote entries from the registry, be methodical.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common concerns—and their straightforward answers—to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Will uninstalling OneNote delete my notes?
Nope! Uninstalling OneNote only removes the app from your device. Your notes stay safe in the cloud (if synced) or on your Microsoft account. Just make sure to back up anything you want to keep locally before proceeding.
How long does it take to fully uninstall OneNote?
The actual uninstall process takes less than a minute, but scanning for leftover files (like registry entries) can add a few extra minutes. If you’re thorough with the steps in our guide, you’ll be done in under 5 minutes total.
Can I still use OneNote online after uninstalling?
OneNote is also available as a web app or via the Microsoft Store app. Just log in with your Microsoft account to access your notes anywhere.
What if OneNote won’t uninstall normally?
If the app freezes or errors out, try these fixes:
- Run as Administrator: Right-click the uninstaller and select "Run as administrator."
- Use PowerShell: Open PowerShell as admin and run
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.OneNote, thenRemove-AppxPackage [PackageName]. - Reset Windows: Last resort—use Reset this PC to restore default settings.
Are there better note-taking apps for Windows 10?
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider:
- Notion (all-in-one workspace)
- Evernote (cross-platform sync)
- Google Keep (simple and free)
- CherryTree (offline, open-source)
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a hassle—now you know how to fully remove it and clean up any lingering files for good! 🎉 Whether you’re freeing up space or switching to another app, taking these steps ensures a clean slate. Ready for a smoother, clutter-free system?
Your next logical step? Explore alternative note-taking apps or dive into optimizing your Windows 10 setup for better performance. Happy computing! 🚀