Top new features in Microsoft OneNote 2024
Microsoft OneNote 2024, part of the Office 2024 suite released in October 2024, brings significant improvements in organization, collaboration, and AI integration, optimized for Windows 11 and macOS 12+.
This perpetual release introduces features like real-time co-editing, improved search, and advanced drawing tools, making OneNote a more versatile note-taking app for students, professionals, and remote teams.
Below are the main new features and how to use them in 2025. Microsoft Teams integration with Office 2024: what's new
Renewed interface and improved organization
OneNote 2024 features a cleaner interface with an expandable side panel for notebooks, sections, and pages, similar to Notion but with the familiarity of Office. Navigation is more intuitive, with unified search that indexes notes, drawings, and audio.
- Dynamic navigation panel: Drag and drop sections to rearrange, with list or tile views.
- Contextual search: Find notes by content, tags, or transcribed audio, with predictive suggestions.
Example: Search “Q4 meeting notes” and you’ll get results that include text, drawings, and voice recordings.
| Function | Description | Our Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic panel | Easy reorganization | Productivity |
| Unified Search | Index everything | Quick access |
Real-time co-editing
Co-editing now supports simultaneous editing in shared notebooks via OneDrive, with live cursors and change notifications.
- collaborative editing: Invite colleagues to edit in real time, with automatic conflict resolution.
- Versioning: Change history to revert edits, up to 30 days on free plans.
ExampleA team edits a project notebook; changes are instantly synced, with edit alerts.
Advanced drawing and ink tools
OneNote 2024 improves pen and touch support with smart ink that turns scribbles into text or shapes.
- Ink to text: Draw equations or lists; they are automatically converted to text editable.
- Automatic forms: Draw an irregular circle and it becomes a perfect shape.
- Laser pen: For presentations, simulate a laser pointer in notes.
Example: Draw a to-do list with a pencil; OneNote converts it into editable bullet points.
| Tools | Function | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ink to text | Doodles to editable | Fast notes |
| Automatic forms | Precise drawings | Diagrams |
| Laser pen | Virtual pointer | Presentations |
Integration with AI and Copilot
OneNote 2024 integrates Copilot to summarize notes, generate ideas, or search for content.
- AI Overview: Summarize long notebooks or sections with one click.
- Search with Copilot: Ask “summarize my meeting notes” to get overviews.
- Content generation: Create lists or structures from prompts.
Example: “Summarize lecture notes” generates an overview with key points.
Support for audio and video
- audio transcription: Record meetings and automatically transcribe them, with text search.
- Video Notes: Add synchronized annotations to embedded videos.
Example: Record a video lecture and search for transcribed terms to review notes.
Performance and compatibility
- Unlimited: 20% faster loading of large notebooks, with less RAM usage.
- Compatibility: Windows 11/10 (until October 2025), macOS 12+; syncs via OneDrive.
| Appearance | Office 2021 | OneNote 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Load | 5-7 sec | 3-4 sec |
| IA | Basic | Integrated copilot |
| Transcription | Manual | Automatic |
Problem solving
| Problem | Cause | A satisfactory solution |
|---|---|---|
| Co-editing does not sync | Without OneDrive | Activate synchronization |
| Ink does not convert | Configuration | Tools > Options > Ink |
| Slow search | Incomplete indexing | Wait or restart |
Example: If the ink is not converted, check Options > Ink > “Convert ink to text”.
Tips for 2025
- Sync with OneDrive: For co-editing and backups.
- Use pencil: On touch devices, take advantage of smart ink.
- Integra Copilot: For summaries and organization.
- Update macOS: To Sonoma for optimal performance.
- Back up notes: Export to PDF regularly.
Example: Sync a study notebook to OneDrive for editing from Mac and PC.
Conclusion
OneNote 2024 stands out for its dynamic interface, real-time co-editing, smart ink, and Copilot integration for summaries. It's ideal for students and teams, with optimized performance for Windows 11 and macOS. In 2025, synchronize with OneDrive and use AI to maximize productivity. Update your app for the latest features and explore audio transcriptions for efficient notes.
FAQs
- Does OneNote 2024 include OneDrive?
Yes, it automatically syncs with a Microsoft account. - Does it work on Windows 10?
Yes, until October 2025. - How to convert ink to text?
Draw and select “Convert to Text” under Tools > Ink. - Is it compatible with Mac?
Yes, on macOS 12+ with OneDrive sync.
