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Microsoft OneNote: Collaboration, Governance, and Retention Considerations for Australian Organisations

Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking application allowing users to create and share notebooks, sections, and pages for collaboration and information management, integrated with Microsoft 365.

Last reviewed 23 May 2026

What OneNote Does

OneNote allows users to create notebooks, which are containers for sections, and pages within those sections. The Class Notebook feature, primarily for education, provides a structured environment for teachers and students. Microsoft Copilot can now assist with note summarisation and content creation within OneNote, though its capabilities are continually evolving. Understanding the distinction between OneDrive notebooks (organisation-owned) and personal notebooks (user-owned) is crucial for data governance.

OneNote in Australian Tenants Today

Australian organisations must consider OneNote content within their eDiscovery and data retention strategies. The scope of OneNote notebooks stored in SharePoint is typically included in eDiscovery searches, but personal notebooks present a challenge. The interplay between OneNote, Microsoft Loop components, and the Windows Sticky Notes app adds complexity. Given the potential for handwritten notes, organisations should establish clear retention policies, acknowledging that handwriting recognition and preservation can be technically challenging and require careful planning to align with APRA CPS 234 and OAIC guidelines regarding personal information.

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