Why do I get an error code every time I try to sign in on OneNote?

Question

Hi, I have been having issues with my OneNote for several months now. Every time I open it I get a notification saying that my notes aren't syncing because I'm not signed in, but when I attempt to sign in with my personal or university accounts the following error message comes up. Does anyone know how I can sign in so that I can access my notes on other devices? Thank you!

Error Code: 53003

Request Id: d2990894-a431-46aa-a3fa-c28d9c468100

Correlation Id: 06603e65-aef0-4b6f-af9f-d9d25c1ac680

Timestamp: 2025-09-01T01:17:06.452Z

App name: Microsoft Office

App id: d3590ed6-52b3-4102-aeff-aad2292ab01c

IP address: 202.36.244.205

Device identifier: Not available

Device platform: Windows 10

Device state: Unregistered

Answer 1

Hello Hazel Cook, welcome to Microsoft Q&A.

The error code 53003 you're encountering in OneNote usually indicates that your sign-in attempt was blocked due to Conditional Access policies. These are security rules set by organizations (such as universities or workplaces) to control how users access Microsoft apps. https://login.microsoftonline.com/error?code=53003

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Clear cached credentials and reinstall OneNote Sign out of all Microsoft apps, clear your credentials using Windows Credential Manager, and reinstall OneNote. This can help resolve issues caused by corrupted sign-in data.
2. Use InPrivate or Incognito mode in your browser If you're signing in through a browser, try using private mode to bypass cached data and cookies that might interfere with authentication.
3. Try signing in from a different device or network Some users have resolved this issue by switching to another device or connecting through a different Wi-Fi network, especially if the original one was flagged by policy.
4. Contact your university’s IT support If you're using a university account, it's possible that Conditional Access policies are preventing access. Your IT team can check whether your device is registered or compliant and help you meet any necessary requirements.
5. Check if multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required Some organizations require MFA. Make sure it is properly set up and completed for your account.

Let me know if any of these steps help or if you need further assistance.

Warm regards,

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