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How to Move Local OneNote Notebooks from Windows to Mac
Question details
The user needs to transfer local OneNote notebooks created on a Windows PC to a Mac device.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Migrating OneNote data across different operating systems.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote for Mac does not natively support opening local .one files directly from a local drive; notebooks must be hosted on OneDrive or SharePoint.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and an active Microsoft OneDrive account with sufficient storage to host your notebooks.
Migrate Using OneDrive via OneNote for Windows
The most reliable way to access local notebooks on a Mac is to sync them to OneDrive using the Windows desktop version of OneNote first.
Since OneNote for Mac requires notebooks to be stored in the cloud, you must use a Windows machine to bridge the gap by uploading your local files to OneDrive.
Launch OneNote 2016 (or the desktop version) on your Windows PC and open the local notebook you want to migrate.
Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Share', and choose your OneDrive account to upload and move the notebook to the cloud.
Open OneNote on your Mac, ensure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account, and select the newly synced notebook from your OneDrive list.
Use the Mac OneNote Backup and Restore Feature
If you only have access to the .one files and a Mac, you can attempt to use the built-in backup and restore functionality, though compatibility is not strictly guaranteed.
Experience Seamless Cross-Platform Document Management
While migrating Microsoft OneNote files between Windows and Mac requires cloud syncing steps, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint needs. Enjoy fully compatible formats and built-in cloud syncing across all your devices without the hassle.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your Windows or Mac device.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create or sign in to your WPS account to enable automatic cloud synchronization.
- 3. Edit and sync seamlessly: Save your documents to WPS Cloud and instantly access them from any connected device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open .one files directly on my Mac?
No, OneNote for Mac does not natively support opening local .one files. They must first be moved to OneDrive or SharePoint using a Windows PC.
Why is my notebook not syncing to OneDrive on Windows?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient OneDrive storage space. Also, verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account in OneNote 2016 before attempting to share the notebook.
Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to move my notebooks?
No, you only need a free Microsoft account with access to OneDrive to move and sync your local notebooks across platforms.
