Troubleshooting Microsoft OneNote Flickering Issues
Are you experiencing a frustrating flickering issue with Microsoft OneNote? You're not alone. This problem can occur due to various reasons, but don't worry, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you resolve this issue and get back to your productive note-taking.
Understanding the OneNote Flickering Issue
Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand what causes OneNote to flicker. The issue can stem from software glitches, outdated drivers, incompatible apps, or even hardware acceleration settings. Regardless of the cause, we've got you covered with a range of troubleshooting steps.
Quick Fixes for OneNote Flickering
- Restart OneNote: Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders. Close OneNote and reopen it after a few seconds.
- Update OneNote: Ensure you're using the latest version of OneNote. Outdated software can often cause unexpected issues.
- Check for Windows Updates: Microsoft regularly releases updates that can fix bugs and improve performance. Keep your Windows OS up-to-date.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause display issues. Disabling it might resolve the flickering problem.

- Click on the File tab in OneNote.
- Select Options.
- Under the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Display section.
- Uncheck the box next to Enable hardware graphics acceleration.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Disable Add-ins
Sometimes, third-party add-ins can interfere with OneNote's performance. Disabling them temporarily can help identify if any add-in is causing the flickering issue.
- Click on the File tab in OneNote.
- Select Options.
- Under the Add-ins tab, select COM Add-ins from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Go....
- Uncheck all the add-ins and click OK.
Reset OneNote
Resetting OneNote can help fix software-related issues. Here's how you can do it:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Select Microsoft OneNote and click on Advanced options.
- Click on Reset.
When All Else Fails, Reinstall OneNote
If none of the above steps work, it might be time to reinstall OneNote. Before you proceed, make sure to backup your notes. You can find them in the following location by default: C:\Users\

| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Using Control Panel |
|
| Using PowerShell |
|
After uninstalling, restart your computer and reinstall OneNote from the Microsoft Store. Hopefully, the flickering issue should be resolved now.























