How do I erase OneNote?

When you ask how to "erase OneNote," you might mean one of two things: deleting a specific notebook within the application or completely removing the OneNote application from your device. Both actions involve different processes.

Here's how to approach erasing content or the application itself.

Erasing (Deleting) a OneNote Notebook

If you want to remove a specific collection of notes, like a notebook you no longer need, you can delete just that notebook from within the OneNote application.

Based on the reference provided, the general process for deleting a notebook involves these steps:

1. Locate the Notebook: Open OneNote and find the notebook you wish to delete. The reference specifically mentions deleting a notebook called "company planner 2021" as an example.
2. Select the Notebook: Highlight or select the notebook you want to get rid of.
3. Access Options: Find and click on the three dots (...) associated with the selected notebook. This menu typically offers various actions you can take on the notebook.
4. Choose Delete: From the options that appear, click on delete.

Important Considerations:

• Deleting a notebook is usually a permanent action. While some versions might temporarily move it to a recycle bin, it's best to assume the data will be lost.
• Ensure you have backed up any important notes before proceeding with deletion.
• The exact steps and interface might vary slightly depending on the version of OneNote (e.g., OneNote for Windows 10, OneNote 2016, OneNote Online) and your operating system.

Erasing (Uninstalling) the OneNote Application

If your goal is to remove the OneNote software entirely from your computer or mobile device, you need to uninstall the application itself. This does not necessarily delete your notebooks stored in the cloud (like OneDrive), but it will remove the program you use to access them.

The process for uninstalling applications varies by operating system:

• On Windows (Windows 10/11):

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Click on Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Scroll down or search for OneNote in the list.
  4. Click on OneNote.
  5. Click on Uninstall.
  6. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process.

• On macOS:

  1. Open the Applications folder.
  2. Find the Microsoft OneNote application icon.
  3. Drag the icon to the Trash.
  4. Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

• On Mobile Devices (iOS/Android):

  1. Find the OneNote app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
  2. Press and hold the app icon.
  3. Select the option to Uninstall or Remove App (the wording varies by device).
  4. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

Note: Uninstalling OneNote only removes the application from your device. Your notebooks, if stored on services like OneDrive, will still exist online and can be accessed from other devices or the OneNote web version.

Summary: Deleting a Notebook vs. Uninstalling the App

It's helpful to understand the difference between these two actions:

Action	What it Does	Affects	Retrievable? (Generally)
Delete Notebook	Removes a specific notebook and its contents.	Only the selected notebook and its data.	No (or difficult)
Uninstall OneNote	Removes the OneNote software from your device.	The application itself; does not delete cloud-stored notebooks.	Yes (by reinstalling)

Choosing the correct method depends on whether you want to clear out specific notes or remove the entire program from your device. The provided reference specifically guides you on how to delete a notebook.