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How to Open and Transfer a OneNote .onepkg File

Phi Hung VoPhi Hung Vo Sep 25, 2026 881 views

Question details

The user needs to open a downloaded .onepkg package to transfer notebook data from a work account to a personal account.

How to Open and Transfer a OneNote .onepkg File
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Transferring notebooks between accounts using a downloaded .onepkg file.
Observed behavior
The .onepkg package does not appear in OneNote's default Open dialog, preventing the user from importing the notebook.
Before you start

Verify the exact folder location where your browser saved the downloaded .onepkg file, which is typically your local 'Downloads' folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Open the File Directly via File Explorer

The quickest way to open a .onepkg file is to bypass OneNote's Open dialog entirely and launch it straight from your local folders.

Since OneNote's built-in Open menu prioritizes cloud locations like OneDrive, it often fails to display local backup files. Using Windows File Explorer forces OneNote to recognize and unpack the file.

1
Open File Explorer

Press Windows Key + E on your keyboard to launch Windows File Explorer.

2
Locate the .onepkg file

Navigate to the folder where the .onepkg file was saved. If you downloaded it from a browser, check the 'Downloads' folder.

3
Launch the package

Double-click the .onepkg file. OneNote will automatically open and prompt you to unpack and save the notebook to a new location.

Open the File Directly via File Explorer
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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a .onepkg file?

A .onepkg file is a compressed OneNote package archive. It contains a complete notebook, including all sections, pages, text, and embedded media. It is primarily used for exporting, backing up, or transferring complete notebooks between different accounts or computers.

Why can't I see my .onepkg file in the OneNote Open menu?

OneNote's default Open menu prioritizes cloud locations such as OneDrive and SharePoint. It intentionally hides local folders and standalone package files unless you manually select the 'Browse' option to search your local hard drive.

Can I open a .onepkg file on a Mac?

No, the .onepkg file format is currently only supported by the Windows desktop version of OneNote. Mac users cannot open or import these packages directly and must instead sync notebooks through their OneDrive account.