Microsoft OneNote Sync Issues.

March 06, 2025

Introduction: Understanding OneNote Sync Error 0xE40200B4.

This article explains the reasons behind this common error, its impact on your notes, and what you can do while you wait for the server to catch up. Learn how to avoid potential data loss, explore alternative note-taking options, and discover resources to stay updated on OneNote sync status.

The First Two Steps You Should Try Is Disconnecting and Re-Connecting The Microsoft Account To Refresh The Application Status And Restarting The Computer.

Step-by-step instructions to sign out and sign back into a Microsoft Account in common applications like Excel, Teams, and Outlook.

To Sign Out:

Open the application (e.g., Excel, Teams, Outlook) on your device.

Look for your profile picture or initials in the top right or left corner of the screen.

Click on your profile picture or initials to open the account menu.

From the menu, select "Sign Out" or a similar option to log out of your Microsoft Account.

Confirm the sign-out action if prompted.

To Sign Back In:

Open the application again.

Look for the "Sign In" or "Log In" option, usually found in the top right or left corner.

Click on the "Sign In" option.

Enter your Microsoft Account email address associated with the application.

Follow the prompts to enter your password and complete the sign-in process.

Remember that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the version of the application and the platform (Windows, Mac, etc.) you are using.

Step-by-step instructions for restarting a computer or laptop on both Windows and Mac:

For Windows:

Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Select the "Power" icon, usually represented by a circle with a vertical line inside.

Choose "Restart" from the options provided.

Confirm the restart if prompted.

Your computer will shut down and then automatically restart.

For Mac:

Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen.

Choose "Restart" from the drop-down menu.

A confirmation dialog will appear; click "Restart" to proceed.

Your Mac will shut down and then automatically restart.

Remember that on both Windows and Mac, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to restart:

For Windows: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select "Restart" from the options.

For Mac: Press Control + Command + Eject (or Control + Command + Power on Macs without an optical drive), then confirm the restart.

If the issue still persist, Try the following below:

Step 1: Check the Internet Connection

Before diving into specific troubleshooting steps, ensure that the internet connection is stable. A weak or intermittent connection might be the root cause of synchronization issues. Try accessing other online services to confirm the reliability of the connection.

Step 2: Verify OneNote Server Status

Check the status of Microsoft's OneNote servers. Sometimes, sync issues may arise due to server maintenance or temporary outages. Visit the official Microsoft Office Service Status page to ensure that OneNote services are operational.

Step 3: Update OneNote to the Latest Version

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and synchronization errors. Ensure that the OneNote application is up-to-date. Visit the app store or the official Microsoft Office website to download and install the latest version.

Step 4: Reconnect to Your Microsoft Account

Occasionally, the connection between the OneNote app and Microsoft account may be disrupted. Sign out of the account within the app and then sign back in to reestablish the connection. This can often resolve syncing issues.

Helpful Resources:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onenote-not-syncing/4818db3e-60eb-4eca-8f12-ea27b3fb8ad9

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