How to Clear the Cache on OneNote

Clearing OneNote’s cache can help when notebooks appear stuck, pages display incorrectly, or syncing behaves oddly. The cache is temporary local data, but it may contain changes that have not yet uploaded. Do not delete it until you have checked sync status and protected any recent edits.

OneNote has several versions, including the Windows desktop app, OneNote for Windows 10, OneNote for Mac, and OneNote on the web. Their cache controls differ, and the menus may vary slightly by version. The steps below focus on current desktop apps; the web version uses browser storage rather than a separate OneNote cache folder.

What You’ll Need

A device where OneNote is installed, with permission to close the app and manage its local data.
An internet connection to sync notebooks before clearing the cache.
Your Microsoft account sign-in details, in case OneNote asks you to sign in again.
On Windows, the OneNote desktop app. On Mac, access to OneNote’s app settings or local app data.

Step-by-Step

Identify your OneNote version. On Windows, open OneNote and check its app name and version in the account or About area. The desktop version included with Microsoft 365 has different cache controls from the older OneNote for Windows 10 app. On Mac, use OneNote for Mac. Menu names can differ slightly by version.
Check every notebook’s sync status. Open each notebook you have edited recently. In Windows desktop OneNote, use the notebook’s sync status or choose the notebook sync command, often under File or the notebook context menu. On Mac, use the sync control or notebook menu. Wait for any sync activity to finish and resolve visible errors before continuing.
Protect unsynced work. If a page has a sync warning or your internet connection is unavailable, copy the latest text into a separate document or save another safe copy before resetting anything. Do not assume a page visible on your screen is already stored in the cloud. Keep OneNote open until you have saved or synced those edits.
Close OneNote completely. Quit the app rather than simply closing its window. On Windows, check the taskbar notification area or Task Manager if you suspect it is still running. On Mac, choose OneNote > Quit OneNote. A running app may immediately recreate cache files or prevent their removal.
Clear the Windows desktop cache with the app’s option. In OneNote desktop, open File > Options > Save & Backup, then find the cache file location. Menu paths may vary slightly by version. The safest built-in reset is to close OneNote, rename the cache folder rather than deleting it, and reopen OneNote so it can create a fresh cache. If your version exposes a cache-management or repair command, follow its on-screen instructions instead.
Use caution with Windows folders. If the app does not provide a clear cache-reset control, do not remove files from a folder just because its name contains “OneNote” or “cache.” The location and contents differ across versions, and some files may hold unsynced notebook data. Check Microsoft Support for the exact cache location and procedure for your installed version before manually changing files. Renaming a confirmed cache folder is more reversible than deleting it.
Reset OneNote for Mac only when needed. Quit OneNote, then use the app’s available reset or local-data management instructions for your version. If you must use Finder to manage app data, first verify that notebooks are synced and follow Microsoft’s current Mac-specific directions; do not delete the entire OneNote container or unrelated Microsoft app data. The Mac app may download notebook content again after a reset.
Reopen OneNote and let it rebuild. Start OneNote and sign in if prompted. Open your notebooks and allow time for their contents to load and sync. Large notebooks or a slow connection can make the first opening take longer than usual.
Confirm the result. Check that recent pages are present, notebooks open normally, and sync status is clear. If a notebook is missing or an edit appears lost, stop making further changes and check OneNote’s available backups, recycle bin, or Microsoft Support before attempting another reset.

Common Mistakes

Clearing before syncing: This is the main risk. A cache can include local changes that have not reached the cloud. Wait for successful sync, and preserve any page that shows an error.

Confusing cache with backups: The cache is not a dependable backup. Deleting or resetting it is not a substitute for exporting important pages or keeping separate copies of valuable information.

Using instructions for another app version: OneNote’s Windows and Mac versions store data differently. A folder path or menu from an older edition may not apply to your installation.

Deleting instead of renaming: Permanent deletion leaves less room to recover from a mistake. When Microsoft’s version-specific instructions allow it, rename the confirmed cache folder first and keep it until OneNote works correctly.

Repeatedly resetting the cache: Cache clearing does not fix every sync issue. Repeating it without addressing network, account, storage, or service problems can waste time and risk local work.

Tips

Use a stable internet connection and sync notebooks before closing the app.
Try closing and reopening OneNote, checking for updates, and restarting your device before manually handling cache files.
Keep a separate copy of especially important pages or notebooks. OneNote’s built-in backup options vary by version.
After a reset, leave OneNote open while notebooks download and sync; avoid editing the same page from multiple devices until synchronization settles.
For OneNote on the web, clear the browser’s cached files for the relevant site only if needed. Browser steps vary, and clearing cookies may sign you out.

Troubleshooting

OneNote still will not sync: Check your internet connection and confirm you are signed in to the intended Microsoft account. Look for a sync error on the affected notebook, then follow its specific message. If the issue affects several notebooks, check Microsoft’s service-status information or support guidance.

The cache folder is missing: Your version may use a different location or manage its cache automatically. Do not create a replacement folder or delete other app data. Confirm the product version and consult Microsoft Support for its matching procedure.

OneNote asks you to sign in: Sign in with the account that owns or has access to the notebooks. If you use a work or school account, access may depend on your organization’s settings.

Pages are taking a long time to return: Keep the app open and connected while it reloads. If only some content is missing after syncing finishes, check the notebook’s recycle bin and available backups; avoid clearing data again until you understand what is missing.

The app will not open: Restart the device and try again. If the problem continues, use the operating system’s normal app repair or update options, or consult Microsoft Support rather than manually removing unknown OneNote files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the OneNote cache delete my notebooks?

It should not delete notebooks that are safely synced to their storage location, but unsynced edits may be at risk. Confirm sync status and protect recent changes first.

Does clearing the cache improve OneNote performance?

It can help with certain display or synchronization problems, but it is not a guaranteed speed fix. Slow performance can also come from a large notebook, an unreliable connection, or an app issue.

How often should I clear the cache?

There is no routine schedule. Clear or reset it only when troubleshooting a specific problem, and prefer the app’s or Microsoft’s version-specific instructions.

Can I clear the cache without an internet connection?

You can close the app, but it is safer not to reset its cache while offline if you have recent edits. Reconnect and confirm those changes have synced first.

Is clearing browser cache the same as clearing OneNote’s cache?

No. Browser cache belongs to the browser and may affect OneNote on the web, while desktop OneNote keeps local app data. Clearing browser cookies can also sign you out.

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