Data Backup Problems

How to Back Up a OneNote Notebook Created in Microsoft Teams

Camila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to back up a OneNote notebook created within Microsoft Teams to a personal OneDrive or local drive, as the direct export option is missing in the Teams and web interfaces.

How to Back Up a OneNote Notebook Created in Microsoft Teams

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create a local backup or transfer a OneNote notebook that was originally generated and stored within a Microsoft Teams channel.
Observed behavior: The OneNote web application and the built-in Microsoft Teams viewer lack a 'File' menu, preventing users from directly exporting or backing up the notebook.

Before you start

Ensure you have the standard OneNote desktop application installed (often called OneNote 2016 or just OneNote) rather than just OneNote for Windows 10, as the classic version is required for the export feature.

Solution 1Recommended

Export Using the Standard OneNote Desktop Application

The most reliable way to back up a Teams notebook is by launching it in the full OneNote desktop client and exporting a local package.

Because the Teams built-in viewer and OneNote for Windows 10 do not have the 'File' menu required for full backups, you must use the classic OneNote desktop application to access these features.

Open the notebook in the desktop app

Navigate to your notebook in Microsoft Teams. Click the 'Open in browser' dropdown or the top menu options, and select 'Open in Desktop App'.

Verify the standard application

Ensure the notebook opens in the standard OneNote application. You should see a 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the application ribbon. If you do not see it, you may need to download the standard OneNote desktop app from Microsoft.

Export the notebook as a package

Click 'File' in the top ribbon, then select 'Export'. Under the 'Export Current' section, choose 'Notebook'. Select 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' as the format, and click the 'Export' button to save it locally or to your personal OneDrive.

Export Using the Standard OneNote Desktop Application

Backup Complete: The .onepkg file acts as a complete snapshot of your notebook. You can double-click this file anytime to unpack and restore the notebook.

Solution 2

Copy the Notebook via the Teams SharePoint Library

Access the notebook's root files directly in the SharePoint site connected to your Team and copy them to your personal OneDrive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Seamless, Free Office Alternative?

While Microsoft Teams and OneNote often require complex workarounds for simple file backups, you can simplify your document management with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and easily backing up your essential documents.

1. Download the installer: Visit the WPS Office website and click 'Download' to get the free installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software on your device.
3. Manage your files: Open WPS Office to effortlessly create, edit, and back up your documents locally or to the integrated cloud.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsBuilt-in local backup and easy cloud sync options for secure file managementFree, lightweight, and fast-loading document suiteIntuitive, tabbed interface that feels familiar to Office users

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the File menu in my OneNote app?

You are likely using OneNote for Windows 10 or the built-in Microsoft Teams viewer, both of which utilize a simplified interface without a traditional 'File' menu. To access export and backup features, you need to install and use the standard OneNote desktop application.

Where are Teams OneNote notebooks actually stored?

Notebooks created directly within Microsoft Teams are stored in the SharePoint site associated with that specific Team. They are typically located within the 'Site Assets' document library.

Can I just download a OneNote notebook folder directly from SharePoint?

Directly downloading a OneNote notebook from a SharePoint document library often results in an error or simply downloads empty shortcut files instead of your data. The recommended method is to open the notebook in the standard OneNote desktop app and export it as a single .onepkg file.

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