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How to Move a Local OneNote Notebook to OneDrive on a New Laptop
Question details
The user needs to transfer a locally stored OneNote notebook from an old computer to a new laptop and upload it to OneDrive for cloud synchronization.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a legacy local notebook to a new device and shifting it to cloud storage for cross-device access.
- Observed behavior
- The user has local notebook files that need to be correctly imported into the OneNote application on a new laptop and then successfully uploaded and synced to OneDrive.
Ensure you have transferred the physical folder containing your local OneNote notebook files to your new laptop (e.g., via a USB flash drive) and have the full OneNote desktop application installed.
Transfer and Sync Using the OneNote Desktop App
The safest and most reliable method to move a local notebook to OneDrive is by using the built-in sharing or moving features within the OneNote desktop application.
Moving notebooks directly via Windows File Explorer or the OneDrive website can corrupt the notebook's sync structure. To ensure your files remain intact and accessible, you must let the OneNote app handle the conversion and upload process.
Launch the OneNote desktop app on your new laptop. Go to 'File', select 'Open', click on 'Browse', and navigate to the local folder where you saved the legacy notebook to open it.
With the local notebook open, click on 'File' and select 'Share'. Choose your connected OneDrive account as the destination, name the notebook, and click 'Move Notebook'.
Allow OneNote some time to upload the notebook files to the cloud. You can check the sync progress by right-clicking the notebook name and selecting 'Notebook Sync Status'.
Once the upload finishes successfully, your notebook is safely stored in OneDrive and can be accessed from the current OneNote app on any of your devices.
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- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software on your new laptop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move a OneNote notebook to OneDrive without the OneNote desktop app?
It is highly discouraged to move local notebook files directly via File Explorer or the OneDrive website, as doing so breaks the sync mechanism. Always use the 'Share' or 'Move' features within the OneNote desktop application.
How do I know when my notebook has finished uploading to OneDrive?
You can check the sync status by right-clicking the notebook name in the OneNote app and selecting 'Notebook Sync Status'. A green checkmark indicates that the upload and sync are fully complete.
Why can't I find the 'Share' option to move my notebook?
If you are using 'OneNote for Windows 10' (the UWP app), it only supports cloud-based notebooks and does not have the option to open or move local files. You must download and use the full OneNote desktop application (formerly OneNote 2016 or 2021) to perform this action.
