How to fix
OneNote error code 0x803d0005
on Windows

OneNote for Windows 10 displayed a permissions error that prevented the sync feature from working. I attempted to sign out then back in without success. The application restart led to a blank screen displaying the OneNote logo alongside a loading bar instead of my notes. Then, I got the error "Couldn't load: Error code 0x803D0005". Any idea how to fix this?

OneNote by Microsoft functions as a universal note-taking application which provides users smooth device synchronization capabilities. Productivity suffers when users meet the error code 0x803d0005 as this hinders their ability to synchronize OneNote data effectively.

The 0x803d0005 error reveals itself when OneNote cannot identify user authentication credentials which causes synchronization failures. More than one user has documented an ongoing prompt to sign in because the program constantly demands password entry beyond authentication success.

Some users experienced trouble while using the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it either did not start up properly or stopped responding during its operation. The complication raises an additional obstacle which affects users who strive to keep their system healthy while trying to make OneNote work correctly.

Multiple problems observed together point to possible system-wide issues stemming from old components as well as file corruption and Windows operating system conflicts. System stability depends heavily on fixing the 0x803d0005 error because this fix allows OneNote to function properly with synchronization features enabled.

For users experiencing these persistent errors, it is advisable to consider utilizing a comprehensive PC repair tool [d1] that can automatically detect and resolve underlying Windows issues. Such tools are designed to streamline the troubleshooting process, allowing users to return to their tasks with minimal disruption.

Fix 1. Clear the cache files

• Close OneNote completely.
• Navigate to the following location:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\cache (replace with your username and OneNote version).
• Delete all files in this folder.
• Restart OneNote and try syncing again.

Fix 2. Repair OneNote

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Programs and Features.
• Find Microsoft Office in the list, right-click, and choose Online repair.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

Fix 3. Reset OneNote's credentials in Windows Credential Manager

• Type Credential Manager in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Windows Credentials.
• Look for any Office-related credentials, such as MicrosoftOffice15 or MicrosoftOffice16, and remove them.
• Restart Office and sign in again.

Fix 4. Check permissions

• Right-click on the OneNote folder in your Documents directory.
• Select Properties and navigate to the Security tab.
• Ensure that your user account has full control.
• Click Edit and adjust the permissions as required.
• Apply changes and restart OneNote.

Fix 5. Disable third-party antivirus or Firewall temporarily

• Open your antivirus software and find the option to disable it.
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection to disable the firewall.
• Try running the app again to see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 6. Reinstall the OneNote app

Reinstalling the application will wipe out damaged files while also restoring the application to its initial configuration.

• Type OneNote in the Windows search box.
• Right-click on OneNote and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to remove the app completely.
• Reboot your system.
• Go to the Microsoft Store and reinstall OneNote.

Fix 7. Flush DNS cache

If OneNote cannot connect to Microsoft's servers, flushing DNS may help.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask you to allow changes - click Yes.
• Type the following command and press Enter:
  ipconfig /flushdns
• Restart the computer and check if the error is resolved.

Fix 8. Re-register OneNote

Corrupted app registrations in Windows may cause syncing issues - you can address this by re-registering the app.

• Type PowerShell in Windows search.
• Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
  Get-AppxPackage *onenote* | Reset-AppxPackage
• Close down PowerShell and restart your device.