OneDrive File Issues

Does Deleting the Original File Remove a OneNote Attachment?

Adam Davis Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if deleting a file from their local computer will also remove or break the file attached inside a OneNote notebook.

Does Deleting the Original File Remove a OneNote Attachment?

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Organizing local storage and managing files that have been inserted into OneNote notebooks.
Observed behavior: Clarification is needed on whether the OneNote attachment is an independent copy or dependent on the original local file.

Before you start

Verify how you inserted the file into OneNote. Check if it was added as a direct file attachment or if it was inserted as a file link, as this determines whether the local file can be safely deleted.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding Embedded File Attachments in OneNote

If you inserted the file as an attachment, OneNote creates an independent copy within the notebook, allowing you to safely delete the original.

When you insert a file directly into OneNote using the 'File Attachment' option, OneNote embeds a complete, standalone copy of that file directly into the notebook's storage. This means the attachment is no longer linked to the original file on your computer's hard drive.

Verify the attachment method

Open your OneNote notebook and locate the inserted file. Ensure it appears as a file icon rather than a hyperlink.

Test the embedded file

Double-click the attachment icon in OneNote to open it. Ensure the file opens correctly and contains all your necessary data.

Delete the original file

Once verified, you can safely navigate to the original file on your Windows desktop and delete it. The OneNote copy will remain completely intact.

Understanding Embedded File Attachments in OneNote

Exceptions for File Links: If you inserted the file using the 'Link' option or created a shortcut to a OneDrive file, deleting the original file will break the link. In this case, you will no longer be able to open the file from OneNote.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit an attached file directly within OneNote?

Yes, you can double-click the attachment to open and edit it in its native application. However, you must save the changes directly in that application for the embedded file within OneNote to update.

What happens if I attach a file to OneNote and then update the original desktop file?

The embedded attachment in OneNote will not update automatically. Because OneNote stores an independent copy, any changes made to the original desktop file will not reflect in the notebook.

Is there a file size limit for inserting attachments into OneNote?

Yes, OneNote syncing can struggle with very large files. If your notebook is stored on OneDrive, the attachment size is generally limited to 50MB to 100MB depending on your version. For larger files, uploading them to OneDrive and inserting a link is recommended.

How can I save an embedded OneNote attachment back to my computer?

Right-click the attachment icon in your OneNote notebook and select 'Save As'. This allows you to download a copy of the embedded file back to your local hard drive.

Document & File Issues