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How to Download and Import OneNote Notebooks from OneDrive
Question details
The user needs to download and import OneNote notebooks from one OneDrive account to another without the files converting into unusable folders.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring a OneNote notebook to a new device or a different OneDrive account.
- Observed behavior
- When downloaded directly from OneDrive, OneNote notebooks appear as standard folders containing individual section files instead of functional OneNote notebooks.
Ensure you have the classic desktop version of OneNote for Windows installed on your computer, as unpacking .onepkg files is currently not supported on the web version or OneNote for Mac.
Export and Import the Notebook via a .onepkg File
This is the recommended method to correctly transfer a OneNote notebook without it converting into an unusable folder structure.
Downloading a notebook directly from the OneDrive web interface often breaks its structure. To maintain the notebook's integrity, you must export it as a complete package file.
Open the notebook in your source OneNote desktop application. Navigate to 'File' > 'Export', select 'Notebook' under 'Export Current', choose 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)', and click 'Export'.
Locate the downloaded .onepkg file on your computer and double-click it. This will prompt OneNote to unpack the notebook.
When asked where to create the notebook, choose a path on your hard drive that is strictly outside of your local OneDrive sync folder to prevent syncing conflicts.
Once the unpacked notebook opens in OneNote, click 'File' > 'Share'. Select your target OneDrive account from the list and follow the prompts to upload and sync the notebook to the new account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my downloaded OneNote notebooks appear as folders?
When you select a notebook in OneDrive via your web browser and click 'Download', OneDrive automatically zips it into a standard folder structure containing individual section files instead of a usable notebook package. Exporting it as a .onepkg file from the desktop app prevents this.
Can I open a .onepkg file on OneNote for Mac?
No, the ability to create and unpack .onepkg files is currently limited to the OneNote desktop application for Windows. Mac users must use the built-in sharing and syncing features tied to their Microsoft accounts to transfer notebooks.
What should I do if I cannot find the 'Export' option in OneNote?
If you don't see 'File' > 'Export', you are likely using OneNote for Windows 10 or the web version, which do not support package exports. You will need to install the classic OneNote desktop app (formerly OneNote 2016) from the Microsoft website to access this feature.
