File Corruption & Recovery

How to Fix OneNote Backup Restore Failing with Non-English Folder Names

Steve K Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to copy a restored OneNote backup section into a notebook because the source folder contains non-English characters.

How to Fix OneNote Backup Restore Failing with Non-English Folder Names

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to copy a recovered or backed-up section from 'Open Sections' into an active notebook.
Observed behavior: OneNote fails to copy the section and displays a false sync error message stating the sections have not all been synced. The issue only occurs when the backup folder has a non-English name (e.g., Persian).

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and ensure your OneNote application is currently online and fully synced before attempting to move local sections.

Solution 1Recommended

Rename the Backup Folder Using English Characters

This is the primary workaround to bypass OneNote's path compatibility bug with non-English characters.

OneNote sometimes misinterprets folder paths containing non-English characters as a synchronization error. Temporarily renaming the source folder using standard English alphanumeric characters resolves this pathing issue.

Close the OneNote application

Ensure OneNote is completely closed so the backup files are not actively in use by the system.

Locate the backup folder

Open your file manager and navigate to the directory where your OneNote backup folder is stored.

Rename the folder

Right-click the folder with the non-English name, select 'Rename', and type a new name using only English letters and numbers (e.g., 'Backup1'). Press Enter to save.

Restore the section

Reopen OneNote, go to 'Open Sections', open the backup from the newly renamed folder, and copy the section into your destination notebook.

Rename the Backup Folder Using English Characters

Restoration Complete: Once the section is successfully copied and synced to your cloud notebook, you can safely rename the local backup folder back to its original name if desired.

Solution 2

Sign Out and Re-authenticate Your Microsoft Account

Refreshing your account connection can clear false sync flags that prevent sections from being moved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote show a sync error when moving local backup sections?

This happens due to a known compatibility bug where OneNote struggles to process file paths containing non-English characters. It incorrectly reads this pathing issue as a failure to synchronize the notebook.

Can I change the folder name back to my native language after restoring?

Yes. Once the backup section is successfully copied into your active, synced notebook, the local backup folder's name no longer affects the live notebook. You can safely rename the backup directory back to its original name.

Where does OneNote save local backups by default?

On Windows devices, OneNote typically saves local backups in the AppData folder. You can usually find them by navigating to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\[Version]\Backup.

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