7 Best Ways to Fix OneNote Won’t Let Me Error on Windows 10

Microsoft OneNote is one of the oldest note-taking applications and is a key component of the Microsoft Office Suite. There are multiple ways to take notes such as text, camera, drawing and even recording. But it is the text that gives nightmares to some users. Several users complained that they could not type in OneNote on Windows 10.

There are many reasons why OneNote won’t let you write anything in the notes. Corrupted files, wrong version of the app (there are two after all) etc. Let’s take a look at these problems one by one and see how we can fix them.

Let’s start.

1. Keyboard Problem

Maybe your keyboard is not working or not working? Can you post other apps or browser? You can fix both keyboard and mouse problems instantly by following our guide on the subject. Another way to check is to use a spare keyboard or borrow one from a friend.

2. OneNote Editions

There are two versions of OneNote. Microsoft is known to maintain multiple versions of the same app such as Skype, Office, and OneNote. OneNote 2016 is now called OneNote, which you must install separately. The one that comes pre-installed is called OneNote for Windows 10. I don’t know why they are adding to the confusion by changing the names now, but here it is.

You can set both app versions as default and discard/remove the other for simplicity. It’s also possible for multiple versions of OneNote apps to create conflicts or corrupt notes, resulting in typos.

3. Sync Again

Syncing can fix a few common problems.

For Windows users, OneNote will see the sync button appear just before the light bulb icon at the top. The OneDrive cloud icon will replace it when syncing is complete.

Alternatively, you can sync manually by right-clicking on the notebook name that is giving you trouble.

OneNote users will find the Sync button embedded in File > Info > View Sync Status.

Click the Sync button next to the notebook, or you can sync them all at once if that’s what you want.

4. Sign Out and Sign In Again

The steps will differ slightly depending on the version of OneNote you are using. Let’s take OneNote for Windows first. It comes pre-installed and uses your Microsoft account to work.

Stage 1: Open OneNote and select Settings under the three-dot menu.

Step 2: Select Accounts.

Stage 3: Click Sign out and then repeat the same steps to sign in again.

If you are using OneNote (OneNote 2016), the steps are slightly different.

Stage 1: Click the File menu button.

Step 2: Click Account.

Stage 3: Click Sign out.

Right there you will find the option to sign in again.

4. Close Notepad

This will work for both versions of OneNote. Right-click the notebook name and select Close This Notebook.

See if you can write other notebooks and chapters. If your answer is yes, it means there is a problem with that notebook.

5. Open in OneNote

You can also access OneNote notebooks online at OneNote.com. Visit the site and log in. Open the notebook where you can’t write or write and click Open in Desktop App.

Can you type OneNote now?

Visit OneNote

6. Repair App

Stage 1: Search for and open Control Panel in the start menu.

Step 2: Go to Programs > Uninstall a program. OneNote is part of the Office apps, so find one you’re currently using. Select it and then click the Change button at the bottom. You can also select Change from the right-click menu.

A popup will show the repair options. There are two ways to repair OneNote, and both are self-explanatory. Select Quick Repair first, and then come back and select Online Repair if you still can’t type in OneNote.

7. Malware Scan

Run a full scan using your favorite antivirus, but don’t stop there. It could also be malware. Download and install the free if not paid version of Malwarebytes and run another scan. A virus may be preventing you from editing your notes.

Download Malwarebytes

note everything

OneNote was one of the first note-taking apps to come with the Microsoft Office suite. At least it has been since Microsoft moved its Office suite to an online subscription model. I like its simplicity and ease of use, although there are many alternatives, some of which are much better than what OneNote can do. If you’re thinking of shifting gears, I’d recommend looking into Evernote and Notion. Two of the best note-taking apps on the market right now.

I hope you found a solution that works for you. If you found one that we haven’t shared, share it with us in the comments section below. It may help some of our other readers.

Next: As a king of note-taking apps, Notion poses a threat to Evernote. Well, that’s what most people say. Read the comparison below to find the truth.