How to Fix OneNote Sign In Problems on Windows 10

OneNote is Microsoft’s note-taking app. It is a part of the Microsoft 365 productivity suite but you can also get the app without buying a Microsoft 365 subscription. 

OneNote has two versions; a desktop version and a UWP version called OneNote for Windows 10 which is available in the Microsoft Store. 

Both types of apps work with OneDrive and they require that you sign in with a Microsoft Account to use it. If you’ve set up a Microsoft Account on Windows 10, OneNote will be able to detect it and sign you in automatically.

Fix OneNote login problems

Signing in with a Microsoft Account is essential if you want to use OneNote which means login problems will effectively lock you out of the app.

If you’re unable to login to OneNote on Windows 10, run through the following basic check and then move on to the fixes we’ve listed further below.

Basic check – web login

If there is nothing wrong with the OneNote service (from Microsoft’s end), and you’re entering the correct email and password, you should be able to login to OneNote’s web version.

1. Visit OneNote in your browser.
2. Log in with your Microsoft Account.
3. Repeat the above on a different device e.g. a phone or a mobile browser.

If login is successful, your problem lies exclusively on the desktop. If login is unsuccessful, check if Microsoft is reporting an outage on its service status page. If the password is incorrect, reset it and try logging in again in your browser and your desktop.

If you’re able to login to OneNote on other devices and/or in your browser, but not on Windows 10, try the fixes below.

1. Check problems with Microsoft Account

OneNote will automatically sign in with the Microsoft account that is configured on Windows 10. If there is a problem with the account e.g. you’ve recently changed the password, you may need to fix it before OneNote can log in with it.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut. 
2. Go to Accounts.
3. Select the Your Info tab.
4. Click ‘Manage my Microsoft Account’ if you see a message telling you there is a problem with the account.
5. Sign in to the account in your browser.
6. Close OneNote and open it again.

2. Run troubleshooter for store apps

If you’re using the Microsoft Store version of OneNote, run the troubleshooter for Microsoft Store apps.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select the Troubleshoot tab.
4. Click Additional troubleshooters.
5. Run the Microsoft Store apps troubleshooter.
6. Apply all fixes that it recommends.

3. Reset OneNote

If you’re using the UWP/Microsoft Store version of OneNote, you can try resetting the app.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Select the Apps & Features tab.
4. Select OneNote.
5. Click Advanced Options.
6. Scroll down and click the Reset button.
7. Open OneNote and try signing in.

4. Reinstall OneNote

Uninstalling and reinstalling OneNote can fix problems with login. 

If you have the desktop version of OneNote, you can uninstall it by following these steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Programs>Uninstall a program.
3. Look for Microsoft 365 and select it.
4. Click the Uninstall button at the top.
5. Install OneNote again by installing Microsoft 365.

If you have the Microsoft Store version of OneNote, you can uninstall it by following these steps.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Select the Apps & Features tab.
4. Select OneNote for Windows 10.
5. Click the Uninstall button.
6. Install the app again from the Microsoft Store.

5. Edit Windows registry

If you’re using the desktop version of OneNote, you can fix the sign-in problem with a registry edit. 

1. Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the Run box.
2. Enter regedit and tap the Enter key.
3. Go to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Internet
4. Right-click in the pane on the right and select New>DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it UseOnlineContent.
6. Double-click it and set its value to 1.
7. Restart the system.

6. Use different version of OneNote

Try changing the OneNote version that you’re having trouble signing in with. If you’re running the desktop version, download the Microsoft Store version.

If you’re running the Microsoft Store version, install the desktop version.

Bonus fix: Error: 0x80070005 on Android

If you’re unable to sign in to OneNote on an Android device and you see Error: 0x80070005, try the following fix.

1. Quit OneNote.
2. Put the device in Airplane mode.
3. Open OneNote.
4. Select the account you want to sign in with.
5. Turn Airplane mode off.
6. Enter the password for the account.
7. You will be signed in.

OneNote Sign In: Conclusion

OneNote normally runs into sign-in problems because of the Microsoft Account that’s set on Windows 10. The app itself is stable so it is rare for it to cause sign-in problems. They normally have to do with Windows 10 related settings which is why a fresh install will almost always solve the problem.

Read Full Bio

Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

Latest from Author

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows Best FPS Counter Software for Windows