Microsoft will intentionally slow OneNote for Windows 10, so you ditch it faster

Microsoft will intentionally slow OneNote for Windows 10, so you ditch it faster

  • 24.03.2025 05:33
  • windowslatest.com
  • Keywords: OneNote, Windows 10

Microsoft plans to slow down OneNote sync on Windows 10 starting June 2025 to encourage users to switch to the newer app for Windows 11. The legacy version will reach end of support in October 2025, with no forced updates but prompts to migrate.

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Microsoft is intentionally slowing down OneNote for Windows 10 to encourage users to switch to the new OneNote app.

Context

Analysis of Microsoft's OneNote Strategy: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • End of Support Date: OneNote for Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025.
  • Performance Degradation: Starting June 2025, legacy OneNote users will experience slower sync performance.
  • Migration Prompts: By July 2025, users of the legacy app will begin seeing prompts to switch to OneNote (M365).
  • New App Features: The modern OneNote for Windows 11 offers enhanced security (Microsoft Information Protection), AI features (Cortana Copilot), and improved performance.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Strategic Push for Modernization: Microsoft aims to unify its note-taking app ecosystem by deprecating the legacy version, encouraging users to adopt the newer OneNote for Windows 11.
  • Competitive Dynamics: The move positions Microsoft to consolidate its market share in the note-taking app segment, reducing fragmentation and potential competition from third-party apps.
  • User Migration Strategy: By intentionally slowing down the legacy app, Microsoft creates a strong incentive for users to migrate to the newer version, ensuring long-term customer retention.

Strategic Considerations

  • Customer Experience: The gradual degradation of performance (starting in June 2025) and prompts (by July 2025) are designed to minimize user backlash while encouraging migration.
  • Windows Ecosystem Loyalty: This strategy reinforces Microsoft's efforts to keep users within its Windows ecosystem, particularly as Windows 11 adoption grows.

Long-Term Effects

  • Potential for Windows 10 Decline: While not explicitly targeting Windows 10 itself, the deprecation of OneNote could indirectly influence enterprise migration away from older versions of Windows.
  • Focus on Windows 11: The emphasis on the newer app aligns with Microsoft's broader focus on Windows 11 and its modern features.

Regulatory Implications

  • No direct regulatory impacts are mentioned in the text, but compliance with end-of-support policies could influence enterprise adoption decisions.