How to Delete Old OneNote Notebooks from OneDrive or SharePoint
Question details
The user needs to permanently delete unwanted or old OneNote notebooks from their cloud storage (OneDrive or SharePoint).
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote, OneDrive, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Cleaning up digital workspaces by removing outdated or unused OneNote notebooks stored in Microsoft cloud services.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for the exact location and steps to delete the notebook files, distinguishing between merely closing them in the app and permanently erasing the files from the server.
Verify whether you want to permanently erase the notebook file from your cloud storage or simply remove it from your OneNote app view. Once deleted from OneDrive or SharePoint, the notebook cannot be accessed by anyone unless restored from the cloud recycle bin.
Delete a OneNote Notebook from OneDrive
Use this method to permanently delete personal or work notebooks that are stored in your Microsoft OneDrive account.
You cannot delete a notebook directly from the OneNote desktop or mobile app. You must navigate to the cloud storage location where the actual notebook file is saved.
Open your web browser and go to Office.com, then sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Click the App Launcher (waffle icon) in the top left corner and select 'OneDrive' from the list of apps.
Navigate to the 'Documents' folder or the specific folder where your OneNote notebook is saved.
Hover over the notebook file or folder, check the circle to select it, and click 'Delete' on the top menu bar.
Delete a OneNote Notebook from SharePoint
Follow these steps if your notebook is a team or organizational file stored in a SharePoint document library.
Remove (Close) a Notebook in the OneNote App
If you only want to hide the notebook from your workspace without deleting the actual file from the cloud, you can simply close it.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are looking for a powerful, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers a complete suite for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Enjoy a familiar interface and excellent cloud integration without the heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the quick installation process on your device.
- 2. Sign in to claim free cloud storage: Create or log in to your WPS account to activate your built-in WPS Cloud space for secure file storage.
- 3. Open your Microsoft Office files: Drag and drop your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly into WPS Office to edit them with zero formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I delete a shared OneNote notebook from my OneDrive?
If you are not the creator of the notebook, you only have viewing or editing permissions, not ownership. You cannot delete files owned by someone else. You need to contact the original creator or your SharePoint administrator to have the file permanently deleted.
Does closing a notebook in OneNote delete the file completely?
No. Closing a notebook merely removes it from the list of open notebooks in your OneNote application. The actual notebook file is retained safely in your OneDrive or SharePoint storage and can be reopened at any time.
How can I recover a OneNote notebook I accidentally deleted?
If you deleted the notebook from OneDrive or SharePoint, you can recover it by accessing the Recycle Bin in the web interface of OneDrive or SharePoint. Deleted files are typically retained there for 30 to 93 days, depending on your Microsoft 365 account settings.
