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One Note is Read only

Harriette Ashe 0 Reputation points
2026-03-23T19:06:48.48+00:00

Hi,

How can I change this please? I need to be able to use the pens.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For home | Windows

1 answer

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-23T19:07:02.86+00:00

    To use pens, the notebook or section must be editable, not read-only. Check the following:

    1. Switch from Viewing to Editing mode
      • In the OneNote toolbar, look for a control that lets you switch between Viewing and Editing.
      • Make sure Editing is selected. In Viewing mode, ink tools (pens) cannot be used.
    2. Check if the notebook is read-only
      • If the notebook is stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, it may be marked as read-only.
      • Open the notebook’s location in OneDrive/SharePoint and verify that the account has edit permissions.
      • If not, contact the notebook owner and ask for read/write access.
    3. Check for read-only copies or misplaced sections (Android scenario)
      • If using OneNote for Android and notes appear under Misplaced Sections, those copies are read-only.
      • Use and edit the version of the page that appears under the original notebook section instead of the one in Misplaced Sections.
    4. Class Notebook permissions (if this is a Class Notebook in Teams or OneNote)
      • Sections like Content Library are read-only for students by design.
      • If this is a Class Notebook and editing is needed, the teacher must grant edit permissions or direct work to a section where editing is allowed.

    Once the notebook/section is in Editing mode and not read-only, the Draw tab pens can be used normally.


    References:

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