Ever deleted a note from OneNote and wished you could get it back? Fret not, as OneNote has a recycle bin feature that stores deleted notes for a certain period. Let's explore where to find this OneNote recycle bin and how to use it to retrieve your lost notes.
Understanding the OneNote Recycle Bin
The OneNote recycle bin is a temporary storage area for notes that you've deleted. It's similar to the recycle bin on your computer, where files go before they're permanently deleted. In OneNote, notes stay in the recycle bin for 60 days before they're permanently removed.
Locating the OneNote Recycle Bin
Now, let's find out where the OneNote recycle bin is located. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're using OneNote on a Windows computer, a Mac, or online through a web browser.

Windows Computer
If you're using OneNote on a Windows computer, the recycle bin is located within the app itself. Here's how to find it:
- Open OneNote.
- Click on the File tab in the ribbon.
- Select Recycle Bin from the left-hand menu.
Mac
On a Mac, the OneNote recycle bin is also located within the app. Here's how to access it:
- Open OneNote.
- Click on the File menu at the top of your screen.
- Select Recycle Bin from the dropdown menu.
Online (Web)
If you're using OneNote online through a web browser, you can access the recycle bin like this:

- Sign in to your Microsoft account at Office.com.
- Click on the Recycle Bin icon in the left-hand navigation pane.
Restoring Deleted Notes from the OneNote Recycle Bin
Now that you've located the OneNote recycle bin, let's see how to restore your deleted notes. The process is similar across all platforms:
- Find the note you want to restore in the recycle bin.
- Select the note.
- Click on the Restore button (or right-click and select Restore from the context menu).
Your note will be restored to its original location in OneNote.
Emptying the OneNote Recycle Bin
If you're sure you don't need any of the notes in the recycle bin, you can empty it to free up space. Here's how:

- Open the OneNote recycle bin.
- Click on the Empty Recycle Bin button (or right-click and select Empty Recycle Bin from the context menu).
- Confirm that you want to permanently delete all notes in the recycle bin.
Remember, once you've emptied the recycle bin, you can't get your notes back.
Pro Tip: Regularly Check Your Recycle Bin
To avoid losing important notes, make it a habit to regularly check your OneNote recycle bin. You might find notes that you thought you'd lost forever!
| Platform | Recycle Bin Location |
|---|---|
| Windows Computer | File > Recycle Bin |
| Mac | File > Recycle Bin |
| Online (Web) | Recycle Bin icon in the left-hand navigation pane |






















