How to Download and Install OneNote
Get Microsoft’s free note-taking app on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Overview
OneNote is Microsoft’s free digital notebook for typing, drawing, and organizing notes across devices. This guide covers downloading and installing it, and the difference between the versions.
Downloading OneNote.
Note: Download OneNote only from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s official site. It’s free — avoid third-party installers.
Key Takeaways
- OneNote is free on all major platforms.
- The unified "OneNote" app is now the recommended version.
- Notes sync via OneDrive across devices.
- Older "OneNote 2016" has merged into the single OneNote app.
OneNote App vs OneNote 2016
- Microsoft unified OneNote into a single app for Windows.
- It syncs notebooks to OneDrive and updates via the Store.
- The separate "OneNote 2016" desktop app has largely been merged into it.
- For new setups, install the current OneNote app.
Download on Windows
1. Open the Microsoft Store and search "OneNote".
2. Click Get/Install (it’s free).
3. Or download it from Microsoft’s official OneNote page.
4. Sign in with a Microsoft account to sync notebooks.
Download on Mac, Android, and iOS
1. Mac: install OneNote from the Mac App Store.
2. Android/iOS: install OneNote from Google Play / the App Store.
3. Sign in with the same Microsoft account to sync everywhere.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Notes not syncing.
Solution: Sign in with the same Microsoft account and check your internet/OneDrive status.
Problem: Which version to install?
Solution: Use the current unified OneNote app; it replaces the old OneNote 2016.
Problem: App won’t install from the Store.
Solution: Run the Store troubleshooter and ensure Windows/Store are updated.
Problem: Missing old notebooks.
Solution: Open them from OneDrive; sign in with the account that holds them.
Conclusion
OneNote is free across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Install the current unified OneNote app from the Microsoft Store (or your platform’s store), sign in with a Microsoft account, and your notebooks sync everywhere via OneDrive.