In a controversial move, Microsoft has announced plans to deliberately degrade OneNote performance on Windows 10 systems starting June 2025, pushing users toward Windows 11 adoption.
According to Microsoft's updated support documentation, OneNote for Windows 10 will reach end of support in October 2025, coinciding with Windows 10's end-of-life date. However, the tech giant is taking an aggressive approach by artificially slowing down sync speeds months before the cutoff.
The company confirmed that OneNote for Windows 10 users will experience reduced synchronization performance, impacting real-time collaboration and multi-device access. Microsoft claims faster sync capabilities are now exclusive to the latest "OneNote for Windows" version, which requires Windows 11.
This decision appears to contradict Microsoft's earlier promise that users would maintain control over their OneNote installations without forced upgrades. While the Windows 10 version will continue functioning after October 2025, users should expect intentionally degraded performance.
The move comes as Microsoft attempts to consolidate its fragmented OneNote offerings, which currently include separate versions for Windows 10, Windows 11, and web browsers. The new unified "OneNote for Windows" app includes AI-powered Copilot features and enhanced security options.
Industry observers note this may be Microsoft's response to Windows 11's lukewarm reception, as Windows 10 remains the dominant desktop operating system nearly a decade after its release. By targeting productivity tools like OneNote, Microsoft appears to be employing aggressive tactics to drive Windows 11 adoption.
For users planning to stay with Windows 10 beyond October 2025, numerous alternative note-taking applications remain available that won't face artificial performance restrictions.