On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially conclude support for “OneNote for Windows 10 (legacy),” a version of the note-taking application designed specifically for touch-enabled PCs. While this marks the end of support for the older version, users will still have access to the newer OneNote app tailored for Windows 11. This transition is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to streamline its software offerings and encourage users to adopt more modern solutions.
Earlier this year, Microsoft acknowledged that it had intentionally slowed down the synchronization feature for OneNote UWP on Windows 10, signaling a shift in focus toward the newer application. For those unfamiliar, OneNote for Windows 10, also known as OneNote UWP, is a modern app rooted in the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). Although it was included with Windows 10, it is no longer receiving updates or maintenance. The app currently carries a “Legacy” label in the Microsoft Store, yet it boasts an impressive user rating of 4.6, thanks to its reliable performance.
What’ll happen to your OneNote app data?
Following the support cutoff date, the legacy app will transition into a read-only mode, effectively locking users out of editing capabilities and synchronization options. This means that while you can still view your notes, any changes or updates will not be possible after October 14, 2025. To ensure continued access to your notes, migrating to the newer version of OneNote is advisable.
Before making the switch, users must sync their notebooks to a OneDrive account, particularly if they have been saving notes locally. If your app displays “OneNote for Windows 10” in the title bar, you are affected by this change. To sync your notebooks, simply right-click on each notebook and select the Sync this notebook option. For those with multiple notebooks, choosing the sync all notebooks option guarantees that all data is securely backed up to the cloud.
Once your notebooks are synced, you can utilize the in-app migration feature to transition to the new OneNote app. This process mirrors the migration from the old Mail and Calendar app to the new Outlook, although it requires manual syncing rather than being automatically enforced. Additionally, users can download the new app from Microsoft and set it up with their Microsoft account. Note that data restoration is not automatic; users must select the Open backups option to retrieve their notebooks in the new OneNote environment.
Microsoft accounts play a crucial role in the functionality of all native Windows applications, including Sticky Notes and Notepad, which now also require an account for access. Recent observations indicate that Microsoft is proactively notifying users about the impending end of support for OneNote for Windows 10 through an in-app banner, complete with a ‘Switch now’ button that directs users to the new OneNote for Windows 11.
In a statement, Microsoft emphasized, “This version of OneNote will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, and become read-only. Switch to the new OneNote app to keep editing and get the latest features.” As users contemplate the transition, early feedback on the new OneNote suggests a familiar experience consistent with other Microsoft products. While some users have reported occasional freezes during text actions, these issues appear to be isolated, indicating a generally stable application.
