How to fix
OneNote sync error 0xE40200C4
on Windows

I need to access one of the OneNote documents I've created earlier, but unfortunately, I keep receiving this message: "This section was created in an older version of OneNote and is incompatible with your cloud notebook.  (Error code: 0xE40200C4)". Could you help me here?

The OneNote sync error code 0xE40200C4 typically appears when a section in your notebook was created through an older version of OneNote that rendered it incompatible with the current cloud-based version. This compatibility renders the affected section incapable of syncing properly with OneDrive, thus creating synchronization issues across devices.

The glitch has been noticed by users when attempting to sync notebooks containing sections from previous versions of OneNote. The message typically states:

"This section was created in a previous version of OneNote and can't be used with your cloud notebook."

This would suggest that the notebook itself is being maintained on OneDrive, but certain sections therein are not correctly formatted for syncing use.

To fix this issue, one should look for the problematic section and move it to the new OneNote layout. One can do it in most cases by placing a new section in the notebook and copying its contents manually into the new section. After making sure that all content has been copied, the original problematic section can be deleted.
The Windows Club

Furthermore, ensuring that you have the latest version of OneNote installed on all your devices will help a great deal in preventing such a compatibility issue. Failing that, launching the notebook via OneNote Online may provide more information or temporary access to your notes.

For those who would prefer to have an automatic fix, running a reliable PC repair tool like [d1] may solve underlying issues that could be affecting OneNote's synchronization feature. These programs can make troubleshooting easy, especially when manual measures fail.

Fix 1. Restart your device

Temporary glitches in the OneNote or OneDrive sync process can cause error code 0xE40200C4. A simple restart often clears memory-related issues and re-establishes proper sync connections.

• Close OneNote completely.
• Save any unsynced work if possible.
• Restart your computer.
• Reopen OneNote and check if the sync resumes normally.

Fix 2. Check your internet connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt syncing and cause error 0xE40200C4. Ensuring a stable connection helps OneNote communicate with OneDrive servers.

Windows 11

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Find Network & Internet from the list and select Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished - you will be provided with potential causes so you can proceed with fixes.

Windows 10

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter and wait.
• The fixes will be automatically applied.

Fix 3. Make sure you're signed in with the correct account

This error may appear if OneNote is using an account different from the one that owns the notebook stored in OneDrive. Ensuring you're signed in with the correct Microsoft account can fix the issue.

• Open OneNote and go to File.
• Click Account and check the signed-in user.
• If the account is incorrect, sign out and log in with the correct one.
• Reopen the notebook from the proper OneDrive.

Fix 4. Identify and move the incompatible section

OneNote error code 0xE40200C4 often appears when one or more sections were created in an older OneNote format. Manually moving the content to a new section may resolve the sync block.

• Locate the section with the sync error (usually marked with a warning icon).
• Create a new section in the same notebook.
• Copy and paste the contents from the old section into the new one.
• Delete the original section.
• Force a sync and check if the error is gone.

Fix 5. Use OneNote Online to access and edit the notebook

Sometimes the desktop app can't handle compatibility issues that OneNote Online can bypass. Opening the notebook through a browser may help isolate or fix the issue.

• Open a browser and go to the OneDrive website.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Navigate to your OneNote notebook and open it.
• Check if the problematic section appears and edit or move content as needed.

Fix 6. Update OneNote and Office

Older versions of OneNote may not be able to properly handle cloud sync formats or notebook compatibility, leading to sync failures. Updating ensures compatibility with OneDrive and modern notebooks.

• Open Microsoft OneNote and navigate to File.
• From the file menu, select Account.
• Under Product Information, locate and click on Update Options.
• From the dropdown list, select Update Now. The program will then check for available updates and install them.

Fix 7. Move the notebook to a new location in OneDrive

Sometimes, the sync error can be related to the location of the notebook in your OneDrive. Moving it to a different folder can help reset syncing behavior.

• Close the notebook in OneNote.
• Open OneDrive in File Explorer or via the web.
• Move the notebook folder to a different folder (e.g., from Documents to a new custom folder).
• Reopen the notebook from its new location.