File Corruption & Recovery

Fix OneNote Is Waiting for Another Device to Finish Uploading Notes

Rana Garcia Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is encountering a persistent sync error where OneNote claims another device is uploading notes, preventing the current device from syncing. They need to secure their notes and resolve the stall.

How to Fix 'OneNote Is Waiting for Another Device to Finish Uploading Notes'

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Syncing notebooks in OneNote for Windows 10.
Observed behavior: OneNote continuously displays a 'waiting for another device to finish uploading notes' message, even when no other devices are active.

Before you start

Before making any changes, log in to OneNote for the Web in your browser to check if your latest edits have been saved to the cloud, and copy any unsynced text to a temporary document.

Solution 1Recommended

Export the Notebook via OneNote Web and Import to Desktop

Bypass local corruption in the OneNote for Windows 10 app by exporting your data directly from the web and importing it into the standard OneNote desktop application.

OneNote for Windows 10 is reaching its end of support in October 2025. Transitioning to the regular OneNote desktop app is highly recommended by Microsoft to avoid future syncing and corruption issues.

Open OneNote for the Web

Navigate to OneNote online through your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Export the Notebook

Locate the affected notebook in your list, right-click it, and select 'Export notebook' to download it as a ZIP file to your computer.

Extract and Import

Extract the downloaded ZIP file. Open the standard OneNote desktop app, go to File > Open, and select the extracted notebook folder to import your notes safely.

Export the Notebook via OneNote Web and Import to Desktop

Data Secured: Exporting from the web ensures you capture the most recent server-side version of your notebook.

Solution 2

Perform a Manual Local Backup in OneNote Desktop

Create a secure local backup of all your accessible notebooks to prevent data loss while troubleshooting sync errors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Cross-Platform Productivity

If you frequently encounter sync errors or file corruption in Microsoft Office apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight, and free alternative with excellent cloud integration.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Sign In for Cloud Sync: Create a free account or log in to enable automatic cloud synchronization and backup across all your devices.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office suitesHighly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsReliable cloud sync to prevent data loss across PC, Mac, and mobileBuilt-in document recovery and auto-backup features

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OneNote stuck waiting for another device to finish uploading?

This error usually occurs when a sync session is interrupted, causing a 'ghost' session on the server, or when a specific section of the notebook becomes corrupted locally, preventing the app from finalizing the upload.

Are my notes lost if OneNote won't sync?

Not necessarily. Your data might still be safely stored locally or on the cloud. Always check OneNote for the Web first to see which notes have successfully synced before making any major changes or resetting the app.

How can I prevent OneNote sync errors in the future?

Transition from OneNote for Windows 10 to the standard OneNote desktop app, ensure a stable internet connection before closing the application, and regularly use the 'Back Up All Notebooks Now' feature.

Document & File Issues