What happened to OneNote? 🤔

Microsoft announced that support for OneNote for Windows 10 will end in October 2025 together with Windows 10. In this video I'll explain what this means for anyone who uses OneNote.

📝 What We Cover:
▪️ The Evolution of OneNote: From OneNote 2007 to 2016, and the introduction of OneNote for Windows 10.
▪️ The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Shift: How Microsoft's strategy influenced OneNote's development.
▪️ The Community's Voice: The response to OneNote for Windows 10 and Microsoft's decision to continue supporting OneNote 2016.
▪️ The Future of OneNote: Unveiling the new OneNote app, a hybrid of the best features from both versions, optimized for Windows 11.

What are the different OneNote versions? Which OneNote version do you have? Which OneNote version should you be using? Why is your OneNote missing some features and how can you get these features? What's the difference between OneNote 2016, OneNote for Windows 11, OneNote online and OneNote for Windows 10 and what is the "latest" version of OneNote?

00:00 Is Microsoft Retiring OneNote?
00:28 The History of OneNote
03:48 Find Out Which Version You Have
04:05 The NEW OneNote App
07:17 Should You Switch?
07:55 Wrap Up

🎬 LINKS to related videos:

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#onenote

[james]

I feel Onenote is one of the most under used Microsoft apps. I've used it for years and definitely a big part of my life both personal and business.

[LearningandTechnology]

Splitting features across two versions of OneNote is bit frustrating. Hopefully they will have One OneNote that has all the features soon. Maybe it could be called TwoNote 😊

[shannonhodges]

My computer has both versions and I have been SO confused about that 😅
Thanks for clearing things up! Glad to hear we're not loosing OneNote.

[mcd]

Excellent overview of the OneNote’s transition and what the future holds. Microsoft should ask you to be their lead ambassador.

[chh]

Many years ago, I read a review article that described OneNote as " ... if you like 3-ring binders, you will love OneNote ...". I switched and never looked back ... I use it daily. A terrific program ... many excellent features, but I am particularly fond of 'tags', 'links', and the 'search'.

Thank you for the clarification ... very helpful ... and reassuring.

[richardbryanesq]

The fact that OneNote syncs nicely between windows, and the iPad is a really great functionality

[Screemrocks]

My experience is exactly like you said. I was super confused as to which one to use a few years ago. The desktop one had insane functionality compared to Windows 10 that allowed me to really control how everything looked in my notes (even as far as page size), but they seemed to only push and update the Windows 10 one, so I went with that one. I’m glad to have found out from you that I should migrate back to the other version. I thought the new Journal app was the only thing left for a moment 😭 (also a good app, but *very* limited). Thanks for this!!

[kwamsahortor]

You scared me with the title there. I hope they improve syncing in the OneNote, that's three only downside. Also, OneNote for W10 saved its notebooks in html format making it easy to open in browser. I hope they maintain this option.

[mathewmcgill]

I love OneNote. Not too many people know about it. I show my coworkers how easy it is to keep a daily log and organize data. I find it to be the most useful tool. I've even used it to write operation and service manuals. I was upset when the so-called new version rolled back features. I wish Microsoft improved Table formatting and add more function.

[davidspencer]

LOVED the Passport renewal analogy!! That was precisely why I chose NOT to use OneNote during Graduate school and stuck with Evernote. This was a great overview of the history and breakdowns of the feature changes. I only recently gave One Note a second chance, and I am eager to see how it changes moving forward. Definitely wish they integrated a Code block option like Evernote's though. Well done, Leila!

[MrXL]

Thanks for this great content, Leila! I found my OneNote (2016) and my old .One file which Microsoft reported was in 2007 format. I just upgraded it to 2010 format. But all of the old notes are still there. Glad that Microsoft will keep supporting this in one way or another.

[JBrierley]

I’ve learned over the last couple of decades to NEVER jump on Microsoft’s next great plan. They almost invariably lack features that were in the older versions or are more of a “we hope it goes our way” philosophy which is bad for longevity. There have a been a long line of questionable decisions made, I have to assume, by people who don’t actually USE the products. The one saving grace is that they’re willing to backtrack when it becomes obvious that it’s not going to work, unlike some other companies!

[lewisdrakeley]

I've been a OneNote for Windows 10 user for a couple of years now as a college student. I didn't even know of the original OneNote 2016 version because the UWP was already installed on my laptop. I have to say, it has everything I've needed for notetaking and sharing. I have never struggled with the app and will continue to use it until I graduate in 2023. I will say, I mostly use it for the inking feature as I use an iPad and 2in1 laptop to write my notes.

[simonwoodpecker]

Great explanation. Clear, thorough and easily understood. I use all versions including inking on my Surface, iPhone, iPad. Each has its strengths. Synching is awesome. Be great to have the best of all versions across platforms. Thank you for this update!

[EgoPlacebo]

Literally the only thing I've ever preferred about the W10 version is the layout of the notebook/pages navigation.

[rudi-gruber]

I'm using Onenote since the early 00years and I'm happy that it will continue. Can't live without it.

[kuuuyajim]

Now that explains my confusion when I was still using Windows 10. 😆 I hated the Windows 10 version I just switched to using Outlook for taking notes (saved as drafts). 😅 I should probably start using it again now that I see the app installed on my PC is the 2016 version. Thank you, Leila! 😃

[elizabethgrace]

This video gave me a mini heart attack. I use OneNote in the extreme as a social worker for keeping track of information for cases and resources and just so many things. So relieved it won't be going away.

[wannabedal-adx]

Yeah the features in OneNote 2016 like task sharing and use of tags are more important to me than the inking or text to speech functions for the Win10 version. I am glad that MS listened to feedback for a change. IT seems like it was a internal power struggle between the Windows group and the Office group at MS. Thanks for the overview Leila.

[ChimpRiot]

OneNote 2016 was always superior with support for extensions. I’ve never like the mobile versions though.