JUNE 18, 2025
How to Delete a Notebook in OneNote (Ultimate Guide)
OneNote
Are your OneNote notebooks piling up and making your workspace feel cluttered?
If you’re wondering how to delete a notebook in the OneNote app, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re using the desktop app, web version, or mobile app, Microsoft doesn’t make it very obvious.
In fact, deleting a notebook is not something you can always do directly inside the app — especially across different platforms.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to properly delete a Microsoft OneNote notebook on Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, and Android.
We’ll also cover how to recover a deleted notebook, avoid accidental deletions, and follow best practices for managing your digital information.
Can You Delete a Notebook Directly in OneNote?
Here’s the catch: the Only way to actually delete a notebook is through your OneDrive account — not directly in the OneNote app.
Why? Because Microsoft OneNote stores your notebook files in cloud storage, typically inside your OneDrive Documents folder.
So, while you can close or remove a notebook from your OneNote list, deleting the file completely requires a trip to OneDrive via a web browser or File Explorer.
How to Delete a Notebook in OneNote on Windows
Close the notebook in OneNote
Open the desktop app.
Right-click the notebook name in the drop-down list of available notebooks.
Select “Close This Notebook” from the contextual menu.
Delete it from OneDrive
Open a web browser and log into your Microsoft OneDrive account.
Navigate to your Documents folder where OneNote files are saved.
Find the notebook folder (usually named after your notebook name).
Right-click and select Delete.
Empty the Recycle Bin
Go to the Recycle Bin icon in OneDrive.
Delete the notebook permanently or restore it if needed from OneDrive’s Recycle Bin.
Tip: If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to move the notebook to a backup folder before deleting it completely.
How to Delete a Notebook in OneNote for Mac
Close the notebook
Launch the OneNote Mac desktop app.
Right-click the notebook name in the list of notebooks and choose “Close This Notebook”.
Delete via OneDrive
Use a web browser to log in to your OneDrive account.
Follow the same steps as above to delete the notebook file from your Documents folder.
How to Delete a Notebook in OneNote Online
If you use OneNote Online (the web version):
You cannot delete a notebook directly in the web interface.
Instead, click the notebook name, then go to your OneDrive account (link usually in the top-right corner).
Locate and delete the notebook from your cloud storage.
How to Delete a Notebook in OneNote on iPhone/iPad
The mobile version of OneNote for iOS doesn’t allow direct deletion.
Instead:
Close the notebook
Tap the notebook name > Tap and hold > Tap Close.
Open OneDrive app
Go to the OneDrive app or use a web browser.
Find the notebook file and delete it.
Recycle Bin step
Check OneDrive’s Recycle Bin to manage deleted OneNote notebooks.
How to Delete a Notebook on Android Devices
Steps are similar to iOS:
In the OneNote app, long-press the notebook name in the list of notebooks, and select Close.
Open your OneDrive app or browser to delete the file.
Clear the file from OneDrive’s Recycle Bin if necessary.
How to Remove a Notebook from the Recent List (Without Deleting)
Want to clean up without deleting?
Open the desktop app or mobile version.
Navigate to your OneNote list.
Right-click the notebook and choose Close.
This removes it from your view but keeps the file safely in OneDrive.
This is a good idea if you’re dealing with sensitive information, or want to avoid accidental deletions.
What Happens When You Delete a Notebook?
The file moves to OneDrive’s Recycle Bin.
You can restore it within 30 days (or longer, depending on your OneDrive settings).
If you empty the Recycle Bin, the notebook is gone permanently.
If the notebook contains important information, make sure to backup your digital information first.
Troubleshooting Common Deletion Issues
Can’t find the notebook? Use OneDrive’s search bar.
Can’t delete a shared OneNote notebook? Only the owner can delete it.
Sync issues? Close and reopen OneNote; remove from local computer if needed.
Best Practices for Managing Notebooks
Regularly clean out unwanted notebooks.
Backup vital information to a backup folder.
Don’t rely only on cloud storage — store sensitive data safely.
Archive shared notebooks you no longer use.
Conclusion
Deleting a OneNote notebook isn’t as straightforward as clicking a button — but now you know how to do it across different platforms.
By managing your current notebooks, keeping your OneNote files organized, and following best practices, you’ll make the most of your Microsoft OneNote experience.
Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as therapy advice, financial advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to your own therapist or financial advisor before implementing this information on your own. Thank you!
