The latest versions of OneNote will prevent over 120 file types from being added to notebooks in a move that’s WAY overdue.
The blocked types of file might contain dangerous, hacked content that could infect a computer. Many of the newly blocked types are obscure or obsolete, mostly used by hackers to trick the unwary. But there are PowerShell and Access files included in the blocked list.
For too long, OneNote has accepted many types of file that other Office apps would refuse to accept. There was a warning, but anyone could bypass that with a single click.
The 2023 change means that suspect files will be totally blocked, albeit with a misleading message …
The reference to ‘Your administrator …’ appears even for individual and non-corporate users who don’t have an ‘administrator’ (i.e the user is their own administrator).
We have a list of the files blocked from Outlook and OneNote – a complete searchable list.
Who gets it?
In short, only OneNote 365 for Windows which includes the OneNote that comes with Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019 and Office 2016.
Not the older OneNote for Windows 10 (being phased out) or any other OneNote (Mac, Web, Apple, Android, Aardvark etc). See Confused About Your OneNote App? Discover the Quick and Easy Tricks to Identifying which one you have
Important! The change also excludes volume licensed versions of Office (Microsoft’s examples are Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021 or Office Standard 2019). It’s not clear why, because those versions need the additional protection just as much as others.
Very gradual rollout
The change is being rolled out to OneNote 365 for Windows from now until January 2024!
For most regular users, it might be available now or very soon. Here’s Microsoft’s timetable for release …
| Update channel | Version | Release date |
| Current Channel (Preview) | 2304 | First half of April 2023 |
| Current Channel | 2304 | Second half of April 2023 |
| Monthly Enterprise Channel | 2304 | June 13, 2023 |
| Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) | 2308 | September 12, 2023 |
| Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel | 2308 | January 9, 2024 |
Files blocked from Outlook and OneNote – a complete searchable list
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