Password Protect Onenote

If you need to add some protection to your notebook, add a password to one or all of its sections.

Add a Password

1. Click the Review tab.
2. Click the Password button.
3. Click Set Password.
4. Type a password.
5. Click in the Confirm Password field and retype the password.
6. Click OK.
   

   The dialog box lets you know there are backup copies of the notebook that aren't protected.

7. Select a backup option.
   

Password Options

Now that there's a password set, you have the option to lock all the sections if you don't want anything to be seen.

1. (Optional) Click Lock All.
2. Hover over the down arrow at the bottom of the pane.
   
3. Click Password Options.
   

   The OneNote Options dialog box opens and you see some password settings. You see here that the default is to have a section stay unlocked for ten minutes after you're done working in it.

4. Modify the password options.
5. Click OK.
   
6. Close the Password Protection pane.
   

Unlock a Section

1. Navigate to a different section.
2. Navigate to the protected section.
   

   You are locked out and can't see the notes.

3. Click the notebook page.
4. Enter a password and click OK.
   

The section is unlocked and you can now edit the notes once again.

Remove a Password

Now if you no longer need a section to be protected, you can remove the password.

1. Click the Password button on the Review tab.
2. Click Remove Password.

   You can also change the password here if needed.

   
3. Enter the password and click OK.
   

The password is removed from the section.