File Sharing Problems

How to Download or Transfer a Shared OneNote Notebook

Natalie Taylor Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to export a shared OneNote notebook, move sections, and secure an independent copy in case the owner revokes sharing permissions.

How to Download or Transfer a Shared OneNote Notebook

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Keeping a personal, independent copy of a shared notebook.
Observed behavior: The user needs to download the notebook and confirm that their access to the downloaded copy won't be lost when the original owner stops sharing it.

Before you start

Ensure you currently have viewing or editing access to the shared OneNote notebook and are using the OneNote desktop application, as the full export feature is primarily supported on the desktop version.

Solution 1Recommended

Export the Entire Notebook as a .onepkg File

Use the OneNote desktop application to package the entire notebook into a single file, which can then be unpacked into an independent local copy.

Exporting a notebook creates a completely separate snapshot of the original shared file. Once unpacked, this new copy belongs entirely to you and will not be affected if the original owner stops sharing the source notebook.

Open the Shared Notebook

Launch the OneNote desktop application and open the shared notebook you want to download.

Access the Export Menu

Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Export' from the left-hand menu.

Choose Notebook and Format

Under '1. Export Current', select 'Notebook'. Under '2. Select Format', choose 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)'.

Save the File

Click the 'Export' button, choose a location on your local drive to save the file, and click 'Save'.

Unpack the Exported Copy

Navigate to the saved .onepkg file and double-click it. OneNote will prompt you to unpack it and choose a path to create your independent local notebook.

Export the Entire Notebook as a .onepkg File

Independent Access Secured: Your newly unpacked notebook is a separate entity. Even if the owner of the original shared notebook revokes your access, you will retain full access to this downloaded copy.

Solution 2

Copy Specific Sections or Pages to Your Own Notebook

If you only need certain parts of a shared notebook, you can copy specific sections or pages directly into a notebook you already own.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If the owner stops sharing the OneNote notebook, will I lose my downloaded copy?

No. Once you export the notebook as a .onepkg file and unpack it locally or to your own OneDrive, it becomes a completely independent copy. Revoking access to the original shared notebook will not affect your downloaded version.

Can I export a OneNote notebook directly from the web version?

Exporting entire notebooks as a .onepkg package is generally only supported in the OneNote desktop application for Windows. On the web or Mac version, you may be restricted to copying content section by section or page by page.

How do I move my exported notebook to my personal OneDrive?

After exporting the .onepkg file, open it in the OneNote desktop app to unpack it into a local folder. Once it is open as a new local notebook, go to File > Share and select your personal OneDrive account to upload and sync it to the cloud.

Document & File Issues