Adding notes to emails

Question

How do I add notes to emails with OneNote. I can not get past the "Pick a section or a page in which to put the e-mail" screen.

Answer 1

@Maggy Rivera said

would like to add a note or comment to an email ... where you can possibly hover over the email and see it.

I understand. Many people, myself included, would like this kind of feature. But I'm afraid Outlook can't do this.

All I can suggest is that you Vote for and Comment on these Feature Request. Maybe if enough people ask for this, Microsoft might listen.

It would be a great help to have the possibility to add notes or comments to email messages.
https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/05221cc3-b800-f011-a4de-6045bdb3947a

Need a native way to attach a private, expandable note to any email (not categories/flags/OneNote/Tasks)
https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/f627eac3-7c03-f111-bb47-7c1e52dec1a8

(You must "Sign In" at the top right of the Feedback page before you can vote).

Answer 2

You can add notes to emails in Outlook to remember important details or organize information.

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Method 1: Use Comments / Reply (simple way)

• Open the email
• Click Reply or Forward to yourself
• Write your notes in the message body
• Save or send to yourself

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Method 2: Use Outlook Notes feature

• Open Outlook
• Go to Notes section (or “More Apps” → Notes)
• Click New Note
• Write your important points and save

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Method 3: Categorize + Add Notes

• Right-click email
• Select Categorize (assign color)
• Add a flag or reminder
• Use subject line or Quick Steps for notes

Answer 3

Hi Maggy Rivera

I understand that you are trying to add an Outlook email to OneNote, but the Select Location in OneNote window is showing All Notebooks with no section or page to choose from. I’m happy to help. Please also confirm whether you are using new Outlook for Windows or classic Outlook, because the screenshot looks more like the older OneNote location picker, while the supported new Outlook flow uses the OneNote task pane. 

Meanwhile, try the following workarounds: 

• Use the supported new Outlook path instead of the old location picker. 
  • Open the email. 
  • Select the Apps icon near the top-right of the message. 
  • Select OneNote. 
  • In the OneNote pane, choose a notebook and section. 
  • Select Save. 
  • For new Outlook, the supported flow is Apps > OneNote > choose notebook and section > Save. 
  • Reference: Send emails and meetings from Outlook to OneNote | Microsoft Support 
• If the OneNote pane or location list still does not load, try the same steps in Outlook on the web. 
  • Go to Outlook on the web. 
  • Open the same email. 
  • Select Apps > OneNote. 
  • Choose the notebook and section. 
  • Select Save. 
• If you are using classic Outlook, check this setting. 
  • Open classic Outlook. 
  • Select File > Options > Advanced. 
  • Under Other, enable Use Send to OneNote with OneNote for Windows 10, if available. 
  • Select OK, restart Outlook, and then try Send to OneNote again. 

Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!   

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Answer 4

To add notes to emails with OneNote from Outlook, the email or meeting must be sent to an existing notebook and section using the Send to OneNote feature. If the “Select Location in OneNote” dialog is empty or cannot be passed, use one of the supported flows below and ensure a valid notebook/section is selected.

1. In new Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web:
   1. Open the email or meeting.
   2. Select the Apps icon near the top-right of the item.
   3. Choose OneNote.
   4. In the OneNote task pane, select the notebook and section where the item should be saved.
   5. Select Save.
2. In classic desktop Outlook:
   1. Open the email or meeting.
   2. On the ribbon, select Send to OneNote (or Meeting Notes if the item is a meeting you organized).
   3. In the OneNote task pane, choose the notebook and section.
   4. Select Save.

After saving, the email’s subject becomes the OneNote page title and the original date/time is preserved. The page can then be edited in OneNote to add any notes needed.

If the dialog that lists notebooks is blank, verify that at least one OneNote notebook is available and open in OneNote; the Send to OneNote picker can only show and target existing notebooks and sections.

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References:

• Send emails and meetings from Outlook to OneNote