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OneNote is a powerful note-taking app that many Windows 11 users rely on daily. However, sync errors can sometimes disrupt your workflow, causing frustration and lost time. Fortunately, fixing OneNote sync bugs is often straightforward with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve OneNote sync problems on Windows 11. Whether you’re a beginner or a bit tech-savvy, these instructions are designed to be clear and effective.

By following these methods in order, you can quickly identify and fix the most common causes of sync errors. Let’s get started to make your OneNote work smoothly again.

No need to worry—most sync issues have simple fixes that don’t require advanced technical skills.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure to check a few basics that often cause sync problems:

• Internet Connection: Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet network, as OneNote needs this to sync your notes properly.
• Microsoft Account: Confirm you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account linked to your OneNote notebooks.
• OneNote Updates: Check if your OneNote app and Windows 11 are up to date, since updates often fix bugs.
• Notebook Location: Make sure your notebooks are stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, as local notebooks won’t sync.

Step 1: Restart OneNote and Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest fix is the most effective. Restarting the OneNote app and your computer can clear temporary glitches that interfere with syncing.

• Close OneNote completely by clicking the “X” button or right-clicking the OneNote icon in the taskbar and selecting “Close window.”
• Restart your computer to refresh system processes and network connections.
• Open OneNote again and check if the sync error still appears.

This step is important because it resets the connection between OneNote and your device, often resolving minor bugs without further effort.

Step 2: Manually Sync Your Notebooks

Sometimes OneNote fails to sync automatically. You can force a manual sync to try and resolve this.

1. Open OneNote and go to the notebook with the sync error.
2. Click File in the top menu.
3. Select Info from the sidebar.
4. Under the notebook name, click the View Sync Status button.
5. In the dialog box, click Sync Now or Sync All to start syncing manually.
6. Wait a few moments and check if the sync error disappears.

This method is helpful because it bypasses the automatic sync process and attempts to refresh your notebooks immediately.

Step 3: Check OneNote’s Storage and Notebook Size

Large notebooks or full OneDrive storage can cause sync issues. Verify you have enough free space and your notebooks aren’t too large.

• Open your OneDrive app or visit OneDrive online to check available storage.
• If your storage is nearly full, consider deleting unnecessary files or upgrading your OneDrive plan.
• Within OneNote, try splitting very large notebooks into smaller sections to improve sync performance.

Keeping your storage and notebook size manageable ensures OneNote can sync data efficiently without errors.

Step 4: Clear OneNote Cache

OneNote stores temporary files in a cache that can sometimes become corrupted and cause sync problems. Clearing the cache can refresh the app’s data.

1. Close OneNote completely.
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type %localappdata%MicrosoftOneNote and press Enter.
4. Open the folder corresponding to your OneNote version (e.g., 16.0 for OneNote 2016).
5. Find and delete the cache folder.
6. Restart OneNote and open your notebooks again. The cache will rebuild automatically.

This step helps fix sync errors caused by corrupted temporary data without affecting your actual notes.

Step 5: Repair or Reset OneNote App

If the problem persists, repairing or resetting the OneNote app can fix deeper issues with the software installation.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps > Apps & Features).
3. Find OneNote in the list and click the three-dot menu next to it.
4. Select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Repair. This fixes the app without deleting your data.
6. If repairing doesn’t help, go back and choose Reset. Note this may delete app data, so use it as a last resort.
7. After repair or reset, open OneNote and check syncing again.

This process refreshes the app’s core files, which can resolve sync bugs caused by corruption or misconfiguration.

Step 6: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Your Microsoft Account

Sometimes authentication issues between OneNote and your Microsoft account can block syncing. Signing out and back in can resolve this.

1. Open OneNote and click your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.
2. Select Sign out.
3. Close OneNote completely.
4. Open OneNote again and sign back in using your Microsoft account credentials.
5. Check if your notebooks sync properly now.

This method refreshes your connection to Microsoft services, often fixing credential-related sync errors.

Alternative Method: Use OneNote Online

If the desktop app continues to have issues, try accessing your notebooks via OneNote Online in a web browser.

OneNote Online always syncs directly with the cloud and can help you edit or export your notes while you troubleshoot the desktop app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does OneNote keep showing sync errors?

Sync errors often occur due to unstable internet, full OneDrive storage, outdated apps, or corrupted cache files. Following the steps above usually fixes these issues.

Will resetting OneNote delete my notes?

Resetting the app may remove local app data but your notes saved on OneDrive or SharePoint will remain safe and accessible online.

How long does OneNote take to sync?

Sync time varies depending on notebook size and internet speed. Small notebooks usually sync within seconds, while larger ones may take a few minutes.

Can I sync OneNote notebooks stored locally on my PC?

No, only notebooks stored on cloud services like OneDrive or SharePoint sync across devices.

What should I do if OneNote sync works on one device but not another?

Check internet connection, app version, and Microsoft account on the problematic device. Clearing cache or reinstalling the app may help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and OneNote still won’t sync, consider these final options:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft OneNote Support for personalized assistance.
• Reinstall OneNote: Uninstall the app completely and then download the latest version from the Microsoft Store.
• Check Microsoft Service Status: Sometimes sync issues are caused by temporary outages. Check the Office 365 Service Status page.

These steps ensure you have access to professional help and the latest software fixes if self-troubleshooting isn’t enough.

Conclusion

Fixing OneNote sync bugs on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Starting with simple actions like restarting the app, checking your internet, and manually syncing can often solve the issue quickly.

Clearing cache, repairing or resetting the app, and verifying your Microsoft account connection tackle deeper problems. Always keep your software updated and notebooks stored on OneDrive for the best syncing experience.

By following this guide step-by-step, you can restore smooth syncing to your OneNote notes and get back to being productive without worry.