How to Uninstall Onenote for Windows 10: Clean Removal in 5 Simple Steps

Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a headache—especially when you follow the right steps. I’ve removed it from dozens of machines, and the cleanest method takes less than five minutes.

The key is knowing whether your version came from the Microsoft Store or was installed as a standalone app, because each path requires a different approach. Skipping this distinction often leaves behind leftover files that clog your system.

For the Store version, you’ll use Windows Settings to strip it clean, while standalone installs need PowerShell commands to fully erase the app. I’ve tested both methods on Windows 10 Pro and Home, and the Store route is shockingly simple—just a few clicks in Apps & Features.

The PowerShell method, though, gives you more control over leftover components. Either way, you’ll need admin rights, so don’t skip that step unless you’re ready to troubleshoot permission errors.

You’ll end up with OneNote completely removed, no lingering shortcuts or hidden files, and a system that feels noticeably lighter. The process preserves your other apps and settings, so you won’t lose anything important.

If you’re unsure which version you have, I’ll walk you through checking that first—because getting it wrong means you might miss critical cleanup steps.

This method works for OneNote 2016, 2019, and the free Store version, but if you’re using OneNote as part of Office 365, there’s an extra consideration: uninstalling it might affect other Office apps.

I’ll cover that edge case too, so you don’t accidentally break your Word or Excel while cleaning up. Let’s get started with the foolproof approach.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for removing OneNote from Windows 10

Here's the straightforward process to completely remove OneNote without leaving behind traces.

First, make sure OneNote isn't running in the background. Right-click the taskbar icon or check the system tray for any OneNote processes—close them all. This prevents interference during uninstallation.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. Navigate to Apps in the left-hand menu, then select Apps & features from the list. Here, you'll see all installed programs with their sizes and versions.

In the Apps & features list, scroll down until you find Microsoft OneNote. Click on it to reveal the Uninstall button. This is the primary method for removing the application from Windows 10.

Click Uninstall, then confirm by selecting Uninstall again in the pop-up window. Wait for the process to complete—this typically takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You'll see a confirmation message when it's done.

OneNote often leaves behind shortcuts in the Start Menu even after uninstalling. Right-click the Start button and select Open. In the Start Menu, look for the OneNote tile.

Right-click the tile and choose Unpin from Start. If you can't find it, press Windows key + S, type OneNote, and unpin any search results from the Start Menu. This ensures no leftover shortcuts remain.

Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86). Look for any leftover OneNote folders—delete them if present. This step isn't always necessary, but it guarantees a clean removal.

For registry cleanup, press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OneNote and delete the OneNote key. Be cautious here—only delete keys related to OneNote.

Press Windows key + S, type OneNote, and confirm it no longer appears in the search results. If it does, repeat the uninstallation process. This step ensures OneNote is fully removed from your system.

Finally, restart your computer. Rebooting clears any residual processes and ensures all changes take effect. After rebooting, OneNote should be completely gone from your Windows 10 system.

Tips & tricks for a thorough OneNote removal on Windows 10

Here's what I've learned from helping users completely clean their systems—these tricks ensure OneNote is truly gone and won't reappear.

Double-Check for Running Processes: Before starting Step 1, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check the "Processes" tab for any OneNote.exe entries. I've seen OneNote services running silently in the background even when the app appears closed. Ending these processes first prevents potential errors during uninstallation.

Backup Registry Before Cleanup: In Step 4, when you're about to delete registry entries, create a backup first. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, right-click the OneNote key in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0, and select Export. Save it somewhere safe. This one-minute backup step saved me from headaches when a registry cleanup went wrong.

Use Windows Search for Hidden Shortcuts: For Step 3, if you can't find the OneNote tile in your Start Menu, try this: Press Windows key + S, type onenote, and look at the left sidebar where Windows shows all locations. You might find hidden shortcuts in folders like "Desktop" or "Documents" that need removing too.

Registry Cleanup Shortcut: If you're uncomfortable navigating the registry manually, use Microsoft's built-in tool. After uninstalling in Step 2, open Command Prompt as admin and run: wmic product where name="Microsoft OneNote" call uninstall. This often handles registry cleanup automatically, though I still recommend manual verification in Step 4 for thoroughness.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common concerns—so you can remove the app with confidence and clarity.

What if OneNote won’t uninstall? (Error messages or stuck progress)

If the uninstaller freezes or shows errors, try these fixes:

• Restart your PC and attempt the uninstall again.
• Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end OneNote processes manually.
• Run the Windows Troubleshooter for app issues.
• Download the OneNote Cleanup Tool (Microsoft’s official tool) for stubborn cases.

Are there alternatives to OneNote if I uninstall it?

Yes! Here are a few free/paid alternatives to consider:

• Google Keep (simple, cloud-based)
• Notion (all-in-one workspace)
• Evernote (feature-rich, paid plans)
• Microsoft OneDrive + Word/Excel (if you prefer Office apps)

Pro tip: If you love OneNote’s handwriting features, try Surface devices or Wacom tablets with alternatives like Xodo PDF.

Wrapping up and next steps

Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be complicated—you’ve got this! 🎉 Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting, or switching to another app, following these steps ensures a clean removal.

Now that you’ve successfully removed OneNote, take a moment to explore alternative note-taking apps or optimize your Windows 10 setup for a smoother experience.

Ready for the next step? Check out our guide on managing Windows apps or dive into customizing your taskbar for efficiency. Happy computing! 🚀