If you use Microsoft OneNote for both work and personal life, you might be wondering how to keep everything separate. Juggling a professional project plan and your personal vacation ideas in the same notebook can get messy fast. The good news is that you can absolutely have different OneNote accounts on the same device, and it’s simpler than you might think.
Why Use Multiple OneNote Accounts?
Keeping your notes organized by account is a game-changer for mental clarity. By separating your work and personal accounts, you create a clear boundary. Your confidential business notes stay secure within your company’s Microsoft 365 ecosystem, while your private journals, family plans, and hobby lists remain just that—private. It also helps you stay focused; when you’re in your work account, you’re in work mode.
How to Add Another Account to OneNote
Adding a second account is a straightforward process. In the OneNote app for Windows or Mac, look for your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner. Click on it, and you will see an option to Add an account or Switch account. Select this and then sign in with the email and password for your other Microsoft account. The app will seamlessly add this new profile to your device.
Switching Between Your Accounts with Ease
Once you have multiple accounts set up, moving between them is simple. Just click on your profile icon again. You will see a list of all the accounts you’ve added. Click on the one you want to switch to, and OneNote will instantly refresh to show the notebooks associated with that specific account. Your notebooks from the other account will be safely tucked away and out of sight until you need them again.
A Note on the OneNote App vs. OneNote for Web
If you prefer not to constantly switch accounts within a single app, there’s another handy option. You can use the OneNote desktop app for one account (like your primary work login) and use a web browser like Chrome or Edge for your other account. Simply navigate to the OneNote website and sign in with your alternative credentials. This keeps everything completely separate and is perfect for a dedicated workspace.
Managing different aspects of your life doesn’t mean you need different devices. With the ability to run multiple OneNote accounts on a single computer or phone, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—staying productive at work while keeping your personal notes neatly organized and easily accessible.
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