OneDrive File Issues

How to Store OneNote Notebooks Locally Instead of on OneDrive

Natalie Taylor Oct 15, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to store OneNote notebooks strictly on a local hard drive without OneDrive automatically converting them into cloud shortcuts.

How to Store OneNote Notebooks Locally Instead of on OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or moving a OneNote notebook to a local directory without triggering forced cloud synchronization.
Observed behavior: When a locally stored OneNote notebook is placed in a OneDrive folder, it is automatically uploaded to the cloud, and the local file is replaced by an internet shortcut.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of OneNote (often called OneNote 2016 or OneNote for Microsoft 365), as the OneNote for Windows 10 app only supports cloud-based notebooks.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a New Notebook Outside the OneDrive Sync Folder

Prevent unwanted cloud conversion by creating and saving your OneNote notebooks in a standard local directory that is not monitored by OneDrive.

OneDrive actively monitors its designated sync folders (which often include Desktop, Documents, and Pictures by default). If you save a OneNote notebook there, it will automatically initiate a conversion process, moving the master file to the server and leaving a shortcut link behind. To avoid this, you must choose a strictly local path.

Open OneNote Desktop

Launch the OneNote desktop application on your computer.

Initiate New Notebook Creation

Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'New' from the sidebar menu.

Select Local Storage

Choose 'This PC' or 'Computer' as the storage location rather than selecting OneDrive or SharePoint.

Browse for a Local Path

Click 'Browse' and navigate to a completely local folder on your hard drive (e.g., a custom folder like C:\LocalNotebooks). Ensure this folder is completely excluded from OneDrive backups.

Name and Create

Enter a name for your new notebook and click the 'Create' button.

Create a New Notebook Outside the OneDrive Sync Folder

Storage confirmed: By keeping the notebook file entirely outside the OneDrive directory, OneNote will retain it as a traditional local folder structure and will not convert it into an internet shortcut.

Solution 2

Export and Move an Existing Converted Notebook

If your notebook has already been converted to an internet shortcut in OneDrive, you need to export the whole notebook and unpack it locally.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Choose WPS Office for Full Control Over Your Local Files

If you are frustrated by automatic cloud conversions and restrictive synchronization settings in Microsoft Office products, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a familiar, highly compatible suite that lets you decide exactly where your documents and notes are stored—completely free of forced cloud uploads.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Manage Local Files: Open WPS Office and start creating or editing documents, saving them directly to your preferred local folders without unexpected cloud syncing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Save documents strictly locally without forced cloud uploads or shortcut conversions.Lightweight software installation with a fast and familiar user interface.Free to use with powerful offline capabilities and local file security.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my local OneNote notebook show up as an internet shortcut?

If you save or drag a local OneNote notebook into a folder that is being synchronized by OneDrive (such as the default Documents folder, if cloud backup is enabled), OneDrive automatically intercepts and converts the notebook into a cloud-based format. The actual data is moved to the Microsoft servers, leaving an internet shortcut link (.url) in its place.

Can I sync a locally stored notebook between two computers without using OneDrive?

Yes, you can store the notebook on a local network drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage) that both computers can access on the same network. However, avoid using third-party synchronization tools like Dropbox or Google Drive for active OneNote notebooks, as the continuous syncing process conflicts with OneNote's own syncing engine and frequently leads to file corruption.

Does OneNote for Windows 10 support local offline notebooks?

No. The 'OneNote for Windows 10' application is designed exclusively for cloud storage and only supports notebooks stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. To create, open, and manage purely local offline notebooks, you must install and use the standard desktop application, currently named 'OneNote' (previously known as OneNote 2016).

Document & File Issues