Data Backup Problems

How to Back Up OneNote Notebooks to a NAS Device

Rana Garcia Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to create an offline, emergency backup of OneDrive-stored OneNote notebooks onto a local NAS device so they can be accessed even if Microsoft servers go down.

How to Back Up OneNote Notebooks to a NAS Device

Product: Microsoft OneNote (Office 2021 Desktop)
Device & OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11
Scenario: Creating an independent backup of OneNote files on a local NAS to ensure business continuity during server outages.
Observed behavior: Needs a proven method to extract local cached notebook copies that can be successfully restored and opened on a different computer.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of OneNote (included with Office 2021) rather than the web or Windows 10 app version, as only the desktop application allows access to fully functional local notebook backups.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate and Sync Local OneNote Backups to Your NAS

Use the desktop version of OneNote to find your automatic local notebook backup folder and synchronize it directly with your NAS device.

The desktop version of OneNote automatically keeps local cached copies and backups of your synchronized notebooks. Relying solely on downloaded OneDrive folders without the proper OneNote file structure may cause restoration issues, so using the official backup folder is crucial.

Access OneNote Options

Open the OneNote Desktop application. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Find the Backup Folder Path

In the OneNote Options window, click on 'Save & Backup' from the left sidebar. Look under the 'Save' section to find the path for the 'Backup Folder' (typically located in your AppData directory).

Copy Files to the NAS

Open Windows File Explorer, navigate to that Backup Folder path, and copy the notebook folders to your connected NAS drive using standard file transfer or an automated sync tool.

Test the Restoration Process

To ensure the backup works, copy the backup files from the NAS to a different computer. Open the OneNote desktop app on that secondary PC, click 'File' > 'Open', and select the locally transferred .one files.

Locate and Sync Local OneNote Backups to Your NAS

Template Warning: Keep in mind that custom OneNote templates are not saved within the notebook backup files. If you restore your notebooks on a new device, templates will need to be recreated or backed up separately.

Solution 2

Manually Export the Entire Notebook as a Package

Export your OneNote notebooks as standalone package files that securely encapsulate your data for easy NAS storage.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Reliable Offline File Management with WPS Office

While OneNote heavily relies on Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight, and offline-friendly environment for your documents. Easily save, back up, and manage your essential files directly on your NAS without worrying about server downtimes or complex sync issues.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
2. Create Local Documents: Open WPS Writer to start taking your notes in a clean, offline-ready environment.
3. Save Securely to Your NAS: Click 'Menu' > 'Save As' and select your mapped NAS network drive to store your files securely without cloud dependency.

Save documents natively to your local drives or NAS without forced cloud dependency.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight software with low system requirements for Windows, Mac, and Linux.Familiar user interface with built-in document tabs for efficient note-taking and management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a backed-up OneNote notebook on a computer without an internet connection?

Yes, as long as you have the OneNote desktop app installed and have previously signed into your Microsoft account on that device, you can open locally stored .one or .onepkg files directly from your NAS backup without an active internet connection.

Why shouldn't I just download my OneNote files directly from the OneDrive website?

Downloading OneNote notebooks directly from the OneDrive web interface often results in internet shortcut files rather than the actual notebook data. You must use the OneNote desktop app's backup or export features to obtain usable, complete offline files.

Are my custom page templates saved in the OneNote notebook backup?

No, custom templates are stored locally in a separate application data folder, not within the notebook files themselves. If you restore a notebook on a completely new device, your previously created templates will not automatically transfer over and must be re-added.

Migration & Recovery