As a seasoned productivity expert with years of hands-on experience using OneNote across platforms, I've seen the Microsoft Store version (OneNote for Windows 10) evolve rapidly. While the classic desktop app (OneNote 2016) was once more advanced, recent updates have closed the gap, delivering flexible, feature-rich tools without needing an Office 365 subscription.
Microsoft continues to enhance OneNote for Windows 10 with regular updates, making it ideal for most users. Here are 13 standout features you might have overlooked.
Print entire sections or notebooks at once, skipping page-by-page hassle.
Here's how:
Navigate pages, sections, or notebooks effortlessly with new Back and Forward buttons in the top-left title bar, just like in your browser.
Open multiple OneNote windows for multitasking. From the View tab, select New Window – repeat as needed. Pair with Snap Assist for side-by-side productivity.
Run two windows side-by-side. 6 Underrated Windows 10 Features You Should Try 6 Underrated Windows 10 Features You Should Try Windows 10 is different and it changes constantly. You will never end up exploring new features and tools. This article will help you discover tricks that you might have missed so far. Read more.
Enable previews in the page list for quick scanning: View > Navigation Panes > Show Page Previews. See first sentences and image thumbnails.
Right-click a page > Subpages > Create Subpage. Collapse with the arrow icon. Promote via Promote Subpage. Nest subpages for better organization.
Right-click a page > Page Versions to view and restore changes. Pairs well with OneDrive's file history. OneDrive Quick Guide in Windows 10 OneDrive Quick Guide in Windows 10 Can OneDrive replace Google Drive or Dopbox? Depends. To help you decide, we'll tell you all about OneDrive's best features and how to set it up. Read more.
Under View, use Page Width for handwritten notes overview. Revert with Zoom to 100%, or use Zoom In/Out.
Right-click a notebook: Nickname Notebook for personal names or Notebook Color for visual distinction – perfect for shared notebooks.
Ctrl + F opens search across pages, sections, notebooks, or all. Includes OCR for images/handwriting. Free versus paid OCR software:Microsoft OneNote and Nuance OmniPage. Free vs. Paid OCR Comparison Software:Microsoft OneNote and Nuance OmniPage Compared OCR scanner software lets you convert text to images. or PDF files into editable text documents. Is a free OCR tool like OneNote good enough? Let's find out! Read more.
Right-click text > Copy Link to Paragraph. Share precise links via email for collaboration.
Use Lasso Tool to select ink, then Draw > Ink to Text. Retains color, size, capitalization. Evernote over OneNote:Which note-taking app is right for you? Evernote vs. OneNote:Which Note-Taking App Is Right For You? Evernote and OneNote are amazing note-taking apps. It is difficult to choose between the two. We compare everything from the interface to the organization of notes to help you choose. What works best for you? Read more.
Insert > table tool for custom rows/columns. Selected cells show Table tab for edits, sorting, deletion.
Lightbulb icon or Alt + Q for instant guidance, definitions, or wiki searches.
Master organization: How to organize OneNote for a productive system How to organize OneNote for a productive system OneNote has organizational features that allow you to do more with it than just keep notes. We show you how to use them effectively. Learn more, 7 Little Known OneNote Features You'll Love 7 Little Known OneNote Features You'll Love OneNote is 100% free and packed with advanced features. Let's take a look at some of the ones you may have missed. If you're not already using OneNote, these may beat you to it. Read More. It's cross-platform and Office-integrated.
Store apps like OneNote prove UWP is catching up. Desktop vs. Windows Store Apps:What Should You Download? Desktop vs. Windows Store Apps:Which Ones Should You Download? In Windows 10 and 8.1, you can download and install desktop apps from the web, or you can get an app from the Windows Store. We explore the differences between Desktop and Store... Read More. 9 Official Windows Store Apps to Replace Popular Desktop Apps 9 Official Windows Store Apps to Replace Popular Desktop Apps If you want to try Windows Store apps, why not start with apps you know from the desktop. Here is a beginner's pick. Read more.
Desktop or Store app? Favorite features? Share in the comments!
