How to Create Local Copies of OneNote Notebooks
Question details
The user wants to save and access local offline copies of their OneNote notebooks instead of relying solely on OneDrive cloud storage.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a local backup or move a notebook to a local drive for offline access.
- Observed behavior
- Notebooks stored in OneDrive appear merely as HTML shortcuts instead of local database files, and the default AppData local backup folder is hidden from the user.
Before creating a local copy or moving your notebooks, ensure that all recent changes in OneNote have fully synchronized to OneDrive to prevent any data loss.
Export the Notebook to a Local Folder
The safest and most straightforward way to create a standalone local copy of your OneNote notebook is to use the built-in Export feature.
By exporting the notebook as a OneNote Package, you consolidate all sections and pages into a single local file. This file can be stored on a hard drive or USB flash drive and opened on any computer with OneNote desktop installed.
Launch the OneNote desktop application and open the notebook you wish to copy locally.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Export' from the left-hand menu.
Under 'Export Current', choose 'Notebook'. Then, under 'Select Format', click on 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)'.
Click the 'Export' button. A file explorer window will appear. Choose your desired local folder (e.g., Documents or Desktop), name your file, and click 'Save'.
Locate and Modify Default Backup Settings
OneNote automatically creates local backups of your notebooks, but these are stored in a hidden AppData folder. You can reveal this folder and change the backup destination to a more accessible location.
Switch to WPS Office for Easier File Management
Tired of dealing with forced cloud storage and hidden local files? WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, giving you full control over exactly where you save your documents without unnecessary complexity.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Create or Open Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open your existing Office documents or create new ones.
- 3. Save Locally with Ease: Click 'Menu' and select 'Save As' to easily choose any visible local directory on your PC to store your files securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive OneNote file just look like an internet shortcut?
OneDrive stores OneNote notebooks in a unique web-based format to enable seamless real-time syncing across devices. The file you see locally in your OneDrive folder is simply an HTML shortcut link to the cloud version, not the actual database file.
Where is the AppData folder located on my computer?
By default, the AppData folder is located at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData. Because it is a hidden system folder, you must enable 'Hidden items' in the File Explorer 'View' tab to see it.
Can I open a local OneNote package (.onepkg) directly?
Yes. When you double-click a .onepkg file, OneNote will prompt you to unpack it. It will extract the contents and create a fully functional local notebook from the backup data.
