OneNote update removed "draw and hold" gesture shapes

LP 0 Reputation points
2025-03-13T02:54:36.6266667+00:00

My OneNote automatically updated today to Version 2502 Build 18526.20144. I have a Surface Pro 9 with Windows 11. Previously, I was able to use the "Draw and Hold" gesture to draw shapes like circles, rectangles, lines, etc. by holding the pen down after drawing something. This no longer works. I have tried restarting my computer, restarting the app, and disabling/enabling several pen options, to no avail.Screenshot of the Advanced Pen options

Enabling the "Automatic Shapes" option in the Draw menu has been a temporary fix, but this keeps making random shapes when I don't intend to. It also doesn't allow me to create straight lines or see a live preview of the shape before I lift my pen.

Is this a bug, or has this feature been removed? Am I missing some kind of setting to re-enable this gesture?

OneNote Management
OneNote Management
OneNote: A family of Microsoft products that enable users to capture, organize, and reuse notes electronically.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Jiajing Hua-MFST 15,875 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-03-13T08:36:35.1733333+00:00

    Hi @LP

    According to the link, in Version 2502 (Build 18526.20144), Microsoft fixed an issue in OneNote where ink does not appear until user lifts the input device such as stylus or mouse.

    It is recommended that you try other versions to test this issue.

    You may update to the latest version: Version 2502 (Build 18526.20168) via clicking to File > Account > Update now.

    You may also try to roll back to older version, such as Version 2501 (Build 18429.20158).

    • Press Win + R key together.
    • Enter the command "C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe" /update user updatetoversion=16.0.18429.20158.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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