File Format & Compatibility

How to Transfer OneNote Files Between Windows and Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a way to move OneNote notebooks from a Windows PC to a Mac after losing access to their original Microsoft account, as copying raw .one files directly causes compatibility errors.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows, macOS
Scenario: Transferring local OneNote notebook files from a Windows computer to a macOS device for continued access.
Observed behavior: When opening the transferred .one files on a Mac, OneNote displays a different-version compatibility error and fails to load the notebook.

Before you start

Ensure you still have access to a Windows computer with the desktop version of OneNote installed, as the Mac version of OneNote does not support importing local .one files directly.

Solution 1Recommended

Export the Notebook as a .onepkg Package

Using the Windows version of OneNote to export the entire notebook as a package (.onepkg) bypasses the version compatibility issue on Mac.

A OneNote Package (.onepkg) file safely bundles all your notebook sections and pages into a single file. This is the most reliable method for transferring notebooks across platforms when cloud syncing isn't an option.

Open the Notebook on Windows

Launch the desktop version of Microsoft OneNote on your Windows PC and open the notebook you wish to transfer.

Export as a Package

Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Export', choose 'Notebook' under the export current section, and then select 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' as the file format. Click 'Export' and save the file.

Transfer and Open on Mac

Move the saved .onepkg file to your Mac using a USB flash drive or a file-sharing service. Double-click the file on your Mac to unpack and open it in OneNote for Mac.

Font Compatibility: Some specific Windows fonts may not be natively supported on your Mac, which could slightly alter the appearance of your notes after the transfer.

Solution 2

Sync the Notebook via OneDrive

If you are able to log in to a Microsoft account, moving the notebook to OneDrive allows seamless syncing to your Mac.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Cross-Platform Document Management

While OneNote issues are specific to Microsoft's ecosystem, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for your daily document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs across both Windows and Mac.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the correct version for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create or log in to a free WPS account to enable cross-device synchronization.
3. Manage Files Across Devices: Save your documents to WPS Cloud to instantly access, edit, and share them seamlessly on both your Windows PC and your Mac.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx).Seamlessly works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.Includes a robust built-in PDF editor for reading, converting, and annotating.Features real-time cloud syncing for effortless cross-platform access.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I open local .one files directly on OneNote for Mac?

Unlike the Windows desktop version, OneNote for Mac relies exclusively on cloud-based synchronization (OneDrive or SharePoint). It does not have the native capability to browse and open locally stored .one or .onetoc2 files directly.

What is a .onepkg file?

A .onepkg file is a compressed archive containing an entire OneNote notebook, including all its sections and pages. It acts like a zip file specifically designed for OneNote, making it the easiest way to transfer a complete notebook offline.

What should I do if I completely lost access to my original Microsoft account?

If you lost access to the original account but still have the files locally on a Windows PC, you should open the notebooks in the local Windows version of OneNote (which doesn't strictly require cloud login to view cached files) and export them as .onepkg files to transfer ownership.

Document & File Issues