The tabs aren't showing at the top of my notebook, I use the desktop app. How do I make them all viewable?

Leigh Parker 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T13:44:24.0033333+00:00

The tabs aren't showing at the top of my notebook, I use the desktop app. How do I make them all viewable?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For business | Windows
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  1. Aetherin 1,725 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T13:59:25.55+00:00

    Hi @Leigh Parker,

    The AI-generated suggestion appears to be on the right track. I'd just like to confirm it and add a few screenshots to make it easier to visualize.

    In the OneNote desktop app, go to View > Tabs Layout > Horizontal Tabs. This should restore the section tabs across the top of your notebook.

    User's image User's image

    If some tabs still do not fit on the screen, try maximizing the OneNote window or using the navigation controls beside the section tabs to view the remaining sections.

    User's image

    I hope this helps. If I've misunderstood what you're referring to, or if you have any updates, please feel free to leave a comment with any additional details or screenshots. I'll be happy to take a closer look and assist further if I can.

    Thank you for taking the time.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-15T13:44:36.3333333+00:00

    In OneNote for Windows desktop, switch the layout back to horizontal tabs:

    1. Open OneNote.
    2. Go to View > Tabs Layout > Horizontal Tabs.

    If the notebook and section navigation is hidden, turn it back on:

    1. Select the Navigation button near the upper-left of the app window.
    2. This shows the navigation pane so sections and pages are visible again.

    If the tabs are visible but truncated, resize the pane:

    1. Move the pointer to the vertical edge of the navigation pane.
    2. When the double-headed arrow appears, drag left or right to make it wider.

    If OneNote is currently using vertical tabs and the top tab option looks unavailable, switching to Horizontal Tabs restores the section tabs across the top of the notebook.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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