Microsoft is replacing OneNote's classic app with the modern app going forward

Microsoft is replacing OneNote — the Windows desktop app — with OneNote for Windows 10 going forward.

“Beginning with the launch of Office 2019 later this year, OneNote for Windows 10 will replace OneNote 2016 as the default OneNote experience for both Office 365 and Office 2019. Why OneNote for Windows 10? The app has improved performance and reliability, and it’s powered by a brand new sync engine (which we’re also bringing to web, Mac, iOS, and Android).” Microsoft’s William Devereaux explained on Wednesday, “You don’t need to worry about being on the latest version since it’s always up-to-date via the Microsoft Store, and it lets us deliver updates faster than ever before. In fact, over the last year and a half we’ve added more than 100 of your favorite OneNote 2016 features based on your feedback (thank you!), with more improvements on the way including tags and better integration with Office documents.”

This plan should not come as a shock to anyone who was paying attention to OneNote’s trajectory in the Office Suite.  The firm telegraphed its plans in an AMA on Reddit, and has been recommending OneNote for Windows 10 as the default OneNote app for a while now.

With this, Microsoft is also eliminating the confusion that spaned from having two OneNote apps in active use. Now there is only one. It’s simpler, less confusing, and for the best.