File Sharing Problems

How to Move and Share a Desktop OneNote Notebook in OneDrive

Guest Writer Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to move a desktop OneNote notebook to a OneDrive for Business folder and share it with others without experiencing redirect loops.

How to Move and Share a Desktop OneNote Notebook in OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating a locally saved OneNote notebook to an organization's OneDrive for Business cloud storage for collaboration and sharing.
Observed behavior: Uploading the notebook package directly through the OneDrive web interface creates a loop that erroneously redirects the user back to the desktop app.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into the OneNote desktop application with your organization's Microsoft 365 or OneDrive for Business account.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Notebook via the OneNote Desktop App

Use the native "Move Notebook" feature inside the OneNote desktop application instead of uploading files through a web browser to prevent sync loops.

Uploading local notebook folders directly to the OneDrive web interface breaks OneNote's syncing mechanism. The correct procedure is to let the OneNote application handle the migration to your OneDrive for Business URL.

Open the Notebook

Launch the OneNote desktop app and open the local notebook you wish to move.

Navigate to the Move Option

Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Share' or 'Settings' next to your notebook, and click on 'Move Notebook'.

Select the OneDrive Location

In the Move Notebook dialog, select your OneDrive for Business personal location. The URL typically resembles: https://[companyname]-my.sharepoint.com/personal/[firstname]_[lastname]_[domain]/.

Name and Move the Notebook

Enter a name for the notebook in the provided field (using the original name is acceptable) and click 'Move'.

Share from the Cloud

Once the notebook finishes syncing to the cloud, use the 'Share' button in the top right corner of OneNote to invite collaborators or generate a sharing link.

Move Notebook via the OneNote Desktop App

Notebook Name Requirement: OneNote requires you to confirm or enter a notebook name when moving it to a cloud location. This is an intended design feature by Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does uploading a OneNote notebook via the web create a loop?

A OneNote notebook is actually a complex folder structure rather than a single file. Uploading it directly via the OneDrive web interface disrupts its metadata and sync structure, causing a redirection loop when OneDrive tries to hand the folder back to the desktop application.

What does a OneDrive for Business personal location URL look like?

The organizational personal location URL is typically formatted as https://[companyname]-my.sharepoint.com/personal/[firstname]_[lastname]_[domain]/. You should select this specific path when prompted in the Move Notebook dialog.

Do I have to rename my notebook when moving it to OneDrive?

No, you do not have to change the name, but OneNote will prompt you to enter a name during the migration. You are completely free to type in the exact same name as the original local notebook.

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