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Data Backup Problems

How to Export a OneNote Notebook Before a School Account Closes

Rana GarciaRana Garcia Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to back up their OneNote notebook before losing access to their school or business account, but finds the export option is missing from the web version.

How to Export a OneNote Notebook Before a School Account Closes
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to download and transfer notes before graduation or a business account closure.
Observed behavior
The 'Export Notebook' option is completely unavailable for OneDrive for Business and school accounts online.
Before you start

Ensure you have the OneNote desktop application installed on a Windows PC and that you still have active sign-in credentials for your closing school or business account.

Solution 1Recommended

Export as a OneNote Package (.onepkg) via Desktop App

Use the full desktop version of OneNote to manually export your notebooks into a local package file, which can then be transferred to a new personal account.

Because the web version restricts exporting for business and school accounts, you must rely on the OneNote desktop client. This process will compress your entire notebook into a single file that can be easily moved and unpacked in a different personal OneDrive account.

1
Open the OneNote desktop app

Launch the OneNote desktop application on your computer and verify that you are currently signed into your school or business account.

2
Navigate to the Export menu

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Export' from the sidebar, and then click on 'Notebook' under the 'Export Current' options.

3
Save as a OneNote Package

Select 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' under the format list and click the 'Export' button. Choose a local destination on your hard drive to save the file.

4
Import to a new account

Sign out of your school account and sign in with your new personal Microsoft account. Open the downloaded .onepkg file with OneNote to unpack it, and then move the notebook to your new personal OneDrive folder.

Export as a OneNote Package (.onepkg) via Desktop App
Windows Only Feature: The ability to export a .onepkg file is only available on the OneNote desktop application for Windows. It is not natively supported on OneNote for Mac.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the Export Notebook option in my browser?

Microsoft limits the web export feature exclusively to personal OneDrive accounts. Due to enterprise and educational policy restrictions, OneDrive for Business and school accounts cannot export notebooks via the web interface.

How can I export my notebook if I use a Mac?

OneNote for Mac does not support exporting notebooks as local .onepkg files. To save your data, you will need to log into a Windows PC with OneNote installed, or manually create a new notebook on your personal account and copy sections over one by one.

Can I still access my notebook after my school account is closed?

No. Once a school or business account is permanently deactivated, all files stored on its associated OneDrive, including OneNote notebooks, are permanently deleted. You must export and save your data before the account closure date.