How to Remove Local OneNote Data Without Deleting OneDrive Notebooks
Question details
The user needs to remove locally stored OneNote data from a specific computer to prevent unauthorized access, while ensuring the original notebooks remain safe in their personal OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Securing personal data before leaving a company computer or shared device.
- Observed behavior
- Locally cached OneNote files remain accessible on the computer unless the notebooks are properly closed, the account is signed out, and the local AppData cache is manually deleted.
Before proceeding, open OneNote and verify that all your notebooks have finished synchronizing to your personal OneDrive so you do not lose any recent offline edits.
Close Notebooks, Sign Out, and Delete the Local Cache Folder
This method removes the offline copies of your OneNote files from the computer and severs the account connection, leaving your OneDrive cloud files completely untouched.
By default, OneNote keeps an offline cache of your notebooks on your local hard drive. To stop the current device from accessing your notes without deleting the master copies in OneDrive, you must manually clear this cache after signing out.
In OneNote, right-click on the name of each open notebook in the side panel and select 'Close This Notebook'.
Click on 'File' in the top menu, select 'Account', locate your personal Microsoft account under User Information, and click 'Sign Out'.
Open File Explorer. In the address bar, paste or navigate to the following path: C:\Users\<your_username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote. (Replace <your_username> with your actual Windows account name).
Delete the contents of the OneNote folder. This permanently removes the local offline copies from the computer without affecting your OneDrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting the AppData folder delete my OneNote notebooks from OneDrive?
No. As long as your notebooks have fully synced to OneDrive, deleting the local AppData cache only removes the offline copies saved on that specific computer.
Why can't I find the AppData folder in my C drive?
The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows. To reveal it, open File Explorer, click the 'View' tab at the top, and check the box labeled 'Hidden items'.
Do I need to perform these steps on my personal computer?
Generally, no. This process is highly recommended for company computers, shared devices, or situations where you are returning a machine and want to ensure nobody else can read your personal notes.
Can I still access my OneNote files on my phone or another laptop?
Yes. Since your actual notebooks are hosted on OneDrive, you can access them at any time by signing into the OneNote app or OneNote.com on any other device.
