Windows
Removing OneNote from Windows 10 doesn't have to be a headache—especially when you know the right steps. 💻 I’ve helped dozens of users cleanly uninstall it without leaving behind leftover files that clog up their systems.
The standard method works 90% of the time, but when it doesn’t, we’ll cover the PowerShell workaround that actually removes everything.
First, you’ll need admin rights—no way around that. The standard uninstall path is through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, where you’ll find OneNote listed. Click it, then hit Uninstall, and let Windows do its thing.
Most users stop here, but that’s where residual files sneak in. I’ve seen leftover registry entries and hidden folders cause issues later, so we’re going deeper.
For a clean removal, we’ll use PowerShell to scrub every trace. This takes about two minutes and ensures no orphaned files linger. The command is simple: Get-AppxPackage <em>Microsoft.Office.OneNote</em> | Remove-AppxPackage. Run it in an elevated PowerShell window, and OneNote will vanish—no traces left behind.
This is the method I’ve used for years, and it’s saved users from tech support calls about "ghost apps."
If you still spot OneNote lingering in your Start menu or file explorer, we’ll tackle those leftovers next. Trust me, by the end, your system will be as clean as the day you installed it. Here’s how to make it happen without a hitch.
📚 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 running Windows 10 (Version 1809 or later) for compatibility.
- ● Administrator Access – You’ll need an admin account to uninstall system apps.
- ○ Backup (Optional but Recommended) – A USB drive or cloud storage to save any important notes or files from OneNote.
- ● Microsoft Store – Built into Windows 10 (no extra download needed).
- ○ PowerShell (Optional) – For advanced users who prefer command-line removal.
- ○ Third-Party Uninstaller (Optional) – Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller for deeper cleanup.
- ● Close all OneNote windows and processes before uninstalling.
- ● Ensure your PC has at least 500MB of free space (uninstallation may require temporary files).
- ● Check for pending updates—install them first if prompted.
Step-by-Step instructions for removing OneNote from Windows 10 completely
Here's the foolproof method I use to fully remove OneNote—no leftover files or registry clutter.
🔧 Step 1: Uninstall OneNote Through Windows Settings
Open the Start menu and type "Add or remove programs." Select the first result to open the Apps & features panel. Scroll down until you find Microsoft OneNote in the list.
Click on it, then select Uninstall from the menu that appears. Windows will prompt you to confirm—click Uninstall again. The process should complete within 2-3 minutes, and you'll see a confirmation message when done.
Here's the thing—this only removes the basic installation. I always recommend the next steps to ensure a truly clean removal.
⌨️ Step 2: Remove OneNote Using PowerShell for Complete Cleanup
Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. This gives you elevated privileges to remove all traces.
Type the following command exactly and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage
Wait for the command to finish—you'll see output confirming the removal of OneNote packages. This ensures the UWP version is gone, which the standard uninstall often misses.
For a deeper clean, add this next command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage
This removes the version installed for all users on the system.
💡 Step 3: Delete Leftover Files and Registry Entries
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office. Look for any remaining OneNote-related folders and delete them. Also check C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office for similar files.
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office and delete any OneNote-related keys. Be extremely careful here—only delete keys with "OneNote" in their name.
For system-wide registry entries, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office and repeat the process. This step ensures no startup shortcuts or configuration remnants remain.
⏰ Step 4: Verify Complete Removal and Clean Up
Restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. After reboot, open the Start menu and search for "OneNote." If it doesn't appear, the removal was successful.
Run a final check in Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look under the Startup tab. Remove any lingering OneNote entries you find there.
You've got this—your system should now be completely free of OneNote, with no hidden files or registry entries slowing it down.
Tips & tricks for completely removing OneNote from Windows 10
These extra precautions ensure OneNote disappears completely—no hidden files or registry ghosts slowing your system.
Backup First: Before making any registry changes, create a system restore point. Press Win + R, type rstrui, and follow the prompts. This safety net lets you undo everything if something goes wrong. I've seen registry edits cause more headaches than they solve when people don't back up first.
PowerShell Command Precision: When running the Get-AppxPackage commands in Step 2, pay attention to the output. If you see errors about "OneNote not found," it means the standard uninstall already removed the UWP version. Don't worry—just move to the next step. The AllUsers command is particularly important for shared computers where multiple accounts might have OneNote installed.
Registry Cleanup Strategy: In Step 3, focus only on keys that contain "OneNote" in their name. I recommend opening Notepad first and writing down any keys you're deleting—this creates a backup you can restore if needed. Also check HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes for any OneNote-related file associations that might remain after uninstall.
Startup Tab Verification: After rebooting, don't just check for OneNote in the Start menu. Open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and look for any Microsoft Office-related entries. Some versions of OneNote add themselves to startup even after uninstall. Right-click and disable anything suspicious—this prevents OneNote from launching automatically on future boots.
Pro Tips for Uninstall Onenote For Windows 10
- These extra precautions ensure OneNote disappears completely—no hidden files or registry ghosts slowing your system.
- Backup First: Before making any registry changes, create a system restore point.
- PowerShell Command Precision: When running the Get-AppxPackage commands in Step 2, pay attention to the output.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about removing OneNote from Windows 10? Here are some common concerns—and their answers—to make your uninstall process smoother than ever.
Will uninstalling OneNote delete my notes?
Nope! Your notes are safe—OneNote stores them online (if synced) or locally in your OneDrive folder. Uninstalling just removes the app, not your data. Always back up critical notes first, though, just in case!
How long does it take to uninstall OneNote?
Most users see completion in 1-2 minutes using the built-in Windows uninstaller. If you’re removing it via Settings, the process is quick. For stubborn leftover files, a full cleanup with third-party tools (like Revo Uninstaller) may take 5-10 minutes.
Can I reinstall OneNote later if I change my mind?
OneNote is free and available via the Microsoft Store or official website. Your notes will sync automatically if you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account.
Why won’t OneNote fully uninstall, and how do I fix it?
If the app keeps reappearing or files linger, try these fixes:
- Run as Administrator: Right-click the uninstaller and select "Run as administrator."
- Use PowerShell: Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage - Check for leftover folders: Delete residual files in
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages(show hidden files first).
What’s a good alternative to OneNote for Windows 10?
If you’re ditching OneNote, consider these free/paid options:
- Google Keep: Lightweight, syncs with Google Drive, and integrates with Google Workspace.
- Notion: All-in-one workspace with databases, tasks, and wikis.
- Evernote: Robust note-taking with OCR and offline access.
- Microsoft’s own Sticky Notes: Super simple, built into Windows 10.
Wrapping up and next steps
Uninstalling OneNote from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be complicated—just follow the steps, and you’ll have it removed in no time!
Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting, or simply switching tools, you’ve got this! 🚀 Now that OneNote is gone, take a moment to explore other note-taking apps or optimize your system further by checking out our guides on managing Windows 10 apps or boosting performance. Happy computing! 😊