OneDrive File Issues

How to Export an Entire OneNote Notebook from OneNote for the Web

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to export all content from a OneNote notebook hosted on the web, including timestamps and metadata, and save the files to their local storage.

Product: OneNote for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Backing up or saving cloud-based OneNote notebooks to a local computer.
Observed behavior: The user is seeking the correct method to download their complete notebook contents from the web interface.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the Microsoft account associated with your OneDrive and that your local drive has enough space to accommodate the downloaded ZIP file.

Solution 1Recommended

Download the Notebook via OneDrive

Since OneNote for the Web does not have a direct export button for entire notebooks, you must use OneDrive to locate the notebook folder and download it as a ZIP file.

OneNote notebooks created on the web are automatically saved in your OneDrive. By navigating to your OneDrive files, you can compress the entire notebook folder and save it to your local machine.

Open OneDrive

Navigate to the OneDrive website and sign in with the Microsoft account that contains your OneNote notebook.

Locate the Notebook Folder

Click on 'My files' in the left sidebar and open the folder containing your notebooks. By default, OneNote saves notebooks in the 'Documents' folder.

Download as ZIP

Select the specific notebook folder you want to export, then click the 'Download' button in the top menu bar. The folder will download to your computer as a ZIP file.

Extract the Files

Once downloaded, right-click the ZIP file on your computer and select 'Extract All' to unpack the notebook. The individual sections will be accessible as .one files.

Metadata Verification: After extraction, open the .one files using the OneNote desktop application to verify your data. Some web-only features and specific metadata may not transfer exactly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What file format are the exported OneNote sections saved in?

When you extract the downloaded notebook ZIP file from OneDrive, the individual sections of your notebook are saved as .one files.

Can I open .one files without the OneNote desktop application?

The .one file format is designed specifically for Microsoft OneNote. You will need the desktop version of OneNote to properly open, view, and preserve the layout and metadata of these files.

Does the exported notebook retain all timestamps and metadata?

Most metadata, such as creation and modification dates, is retained in the .one files. However, you should verify the exported copy in the desktop app, as some complex metadata or web-specific features might not display exactly as they did online.

Where are my OneNote notebooks stored by default?

By default, notebooks created using OneNote for the Web are stored in your OneDrive account, typically found inside the 'Documents' folder under 'My files'.

Document & File Issues