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How to Move a OneNote Notebook Between Microsoft or OneDrive Accounts
Question details
The user needs to transfer a OneNote notebook from a university account to a personal or graduate school account, but lacks an export option in OneNote for Windows 10.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Migrating personal notes from an expiring work or school account to a permanent personal account to prevent data loss.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote for Windows 10 does not have a native feature to export or import notebooks as .onepkg files, preventing a direct transfer to a new OneDrive account.
Ensure you have the full desktop version of Microsoft OneNote (formerly OneNote 2016) installed on your PC, as the Windows 10 app version does not support exporting notebook files locally.
Export and Transfer the Notebook Using Desktop OneNote
Use the desktop version of OneNote to export your entire notebook as a local .onepkg file, then open and sync it directly to your new OneDrive account.
Because OneNote for Windows 10 lacks the required export capabilities, transferring notebooks between different Microsoft accounts requires downloading the classic desktop application. By exporting the notebook as a package file, you can manually upload it to a different OneDrive destination.
Launch the full desktop version of OneNote (OneNote 2016) and sign in using your original (university or work) Microsoft account where the notebook is currently stored.
Navigate to 'File' > 'Export' from the top menu ribbon. Under 'Export Current', select 'Notebook'. Then, choose 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' as the file format and click 'Export' to save the file to your local hard drive.
Sign out of your old account within OneNote, and then sign in using your new (personal or graduate school) Microsoft account.
Locate the saved .onepkg file on your computer and double-click it. This will unpack the notebook and open it within the desktop OneNote application.
Go to 'File' > 'Share', select your newly signed-in personal OneDrive account, and click 'Move Notebook' to upload and sync the notebook to your new cloud storage.
Boost Your Productivity with WPS Office
While OneNote is a Microsoft-specific tool for note-taking, you can seamlessly handle all your document processing, spreadsheet analysis, and presentations using WPS Office. It is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft 365 that offers high compatibility without heavy subscription costs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the lightweight installation process.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I export a notebook using OneNote for Windows 10?
No, OneNote for Windows 10 does not support exporting or importing notebooks in the .onepkg format. You must download and use the standard desktop OneNote application to perform local exports.
What exactly is a .onepkg file?
A .onepkg file is a compressed archive format created by the desktop version of Microsoft OneNote. It bundles all sections, pages, and attached files of a specific notebook together, making it easy to back up locally or transfer between different cloud accounts.
Will I lose my notes if I just share a link instead of exporting?
Yes. If your original university or work account is closed or deleted upon graduation, the notebook stored in that account's OneDrive will be permanently deleted, rendering any shared links invalid. You must locally export the notebook and upload it to a personal account to ensure continuous access.
