OneNote is a handy tool for taking notes, making lists, and keeping your thoughts organized. It comes pre-installed on Windows 10, which is cool, but maybe you don’t use it and want to free up some space on your computer. Or perhaps you prefer a different note-taking app. Whatever your reason, you might be wondering how to get rid of OneNote.
Good news! Removing OneNote from Windows 10 is totally doable. This guide will show you how, step-by-step, with pictures to make it super easy. We’ll cover two ways to remove OneNote:
- Removing the OneNote app: This is for the basic OneNote app that comes with Windows 10.
- Removing the full OneNote desktop version: This is if you installed the full version of OneNote separately.
Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! Let’s get started.
How to Uninstall the OneNote App in Windows 10
The OneNote app is the version that comes standard with Windows 10. It’s more streamlined than the full desktop version. Here’s how to uninstall it:
Using the Start Menu
- Click the Start button: This is the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Find OneNote: Scroll through the list of apps until you see “OneNote.”
- Right-click on OneNote: This will open a menu.
- Select Uninstall: Click on “Uninstall” in the menu.
- Confirm: Windows will ask if you’re sure you want to uninstall OneNote. Click “Uninstall” again.
That’s it! Windows will now remove the OneNote app from your computer.
Using Settings
- Open Settings: Click the Start button, then click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps: In the Settings window, click on “Apps.”
- Find OneNote: In the list of apps, look for “OneNote.”
- Click on OneNote: This will show you more options.
- Select Advanced options: Click on this to see more settings.
- Click Uninstall: You’ll find the “Uninstall” button here. Click it.
- Confirm: Windows will ask if you’re sure. Click “Uninstall” again.
How to Remove OneNote Desktop from Windows 10
If you installed the full desktop version of OneNote separately, the steps to remove it are a bit different. Here’s how:
Using the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel: Type “Control Panel” in the search bar next to the Start button and click on it.
- Go to Programs: In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
- Find Microsoft OneNote: Look for “Microsoft OneNote” in the list of installed programs.
- Right-click on Microsoft OneNote: This will open a menu.
- Select Uninstall: Click on “Uninstall” in the menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions: The OneNote installer will guide you through the removal process.
What Happens When You Remove OneNote from Windows 10?
- No more OneNote app: You won’t be able to use the OneNote app anymore.
- Your notes are safe: If you were using OneNote and syncing your notes with your Microsoft account, your notes are stored in the cloud. You can still access them by logging into OneNote online or on another device.
- Free up space: Removing OneNote will free up some storage space on your computer.
Troubleshooting
I can’t find OneNote in the list of apps!
If you can’t find OneNote to uninstall it, try these things:
- Make sure you’re looking in the right place: The pre-installed OneNote app will be in the Start Menu and the Settings app. The full desktop version will be in the Control Panel.
- Check if it’s really installed: Maybe you already removed it! If you’re not sure, you can try searching for “OneNote” on your computer.
I uninstalled OneNote, but my notes are gone!
Don’t panic! If you were syncing your notes with your Microsoft account, they should still be safe in the cloud. Try these steps:
- Go to OneNote online: Open your web browser and go to www.onenote.com.
- Sign in: Sign in with the same Microsoft account you used with OneNote.
- Check your notebooks: Your notebooks should be there!
If you weren’t syncing your notes, you might need to restore them from a backup if you have one.
Alternatives to OneNote
If you’re looking for a different way to take notes, there are lots of other options out there! Here are a few popular ones:
| Feature | OneNote | Google Keep | Evernote | Notion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note taking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| To-do lists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web clipping | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
These are just a few examples, and there are many other great note-taking apps available. It’s worth trying out a few to see which one fits your needs best.
Summary
Removing OneNote from Windows 10 is a straightforward process, whether you’re dealing with the pre-installed app or the full desktop version. Remember that uninstalling OneNote won’t delete your notes if they’re synced with your Microsoft account. You can always access them online or on other devices.
If you’re looking for a different note-taking experience, explore alternative apps like Google Keep, Evernote, and Notion. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
FAQs
How do I reinstall OneNote after removing it?
If you change your mind and want OneNote back, you can easily reinstall it. Just go to the Microsoft Store, search for “OneNote,” and click “Get.”
Can I remove OneNote from Windows 10 and keep it on my phone?
Yes, absolutely! Removing OneNote from your Windows 10 computer won’t affect the OneNote app on your phone or other devices. You can continue using OneNote on those devices as usual.
Is it safe to remove OneNote from Windows 10?
Yes, it’s completely safe to remove OneNote. It won’t harm your computer or any of your other files.
How do I know if my OneNote notes are synced with the cloud?
Open the OneNote app and look for a sync icon in the top right corner. If you see it and it shows a green checkmark, your notes are synced. You can also check by going to OneNote online and seeing if your notes are there.
What’s the difference between the OneNote app and the OneNote desktop version?
The OneNote app that comes with Windows 10 is a simpler version with basic features. The OneNote desktop version has more advanced features, like more formatting options, templates, and add-ins.
