Microsoft is retiring the “legacy” version of OneNote alongside Windows 10, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new devices with the latest OS for continued, full-featured use of the note-taking app. The move is motivated since Windows 10 will also lose official support in October 2025
The original OneNote was announced by Bill Gates in 2002, initially as part of the Office suite. It was later updated and made freely available across various operating systems and the web.
Enterprise customers on Windows 10 are advised to switch to the latest “OneNote for Windows,” available on the Microsoft Store. Microsoft aims to simplify its offerings, currently maintaining three versions: OneNote for Windows 10, OneNote for Windows 11, and a web-based version.
Windows 11 will now roast your PC for being too slow
Starting June 2025, OneNote for Windows 10 will see slower sync performance, impacting real-time collaboration and multi-device access. Microsoft states faster synchronization is exclusive to the newer “OneNote for Windows,” alongside Copilot AI features, new security options, and other improvements.
Microsoft previously stated users wouldn’t be forced to upgrade their OneNote installations. However, while OneNote for Windows 10 will technically still function after October 2025, degraded performance is now expected.
Despite its age, Windows 10 remains the most used desktop operating system. With Windows 11’s slower adoption, Microsoft appears to be using familiar tactics to encourage upgrades.
