How to Restore a OneNote .onepkg Backup in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to open or import a backed-up OneNote package (.onepkg) file into Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to access a previously backed-up OneNote notebook saved as a .onepkg archive, but encountering compatibility issues when trying to open it via the web interface.
- Observed behavior
- The .onepkg backup file fails to open or import when using the OneNote web application, requiring extraction through the desktop client.
Ensure you have the full Microsoft OneNote desktop application installed on your computer, as the OneNote web app and certain mobile versions do not support unpacking .onepkg files.
Extract the Backup via Direct Launch
The quickest and most straightforward way to restore your notebook is by opening the package file directly from your file manager.
If the full OneNote desktop application is properly installed and set as the default program for OneNote files, Windows will automatically recognize the package format and trigger the unpack process.
Navigate to the folder on your computer where the .onepkg file is currently saved.
Double-click the .onepkg file. This will automatically launch the OneNote desktop application.
A prompt will appear asking you to unpack the notebook. Choose a destination folder where the extracted notebook files should reside, then click 'Create' or 'Unpack'.
Import via the OneNote File Menu
If double-clicking the file does not work or opens the wrong app, you can manually locate and import the package from within the OneNote application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I open my .onepkg file in OneNote for Web?
The OneNote web application is designed to interact only with live notebooks synced to OneDrive. It lacks the core functionality required to extract local archive packages (.onepkg files). You must use the desktop app to unpack the file first, which can then be synced to the cloud.
What exactly is a .onepkg file?
A .onepkg file is a compressed archive format created by Microsoft OneNote. It packages an entire notebook, including all its section groups, sections, pages, and embedded media, into a single easily transferable file for backup or sharing purposes.
How do I create a .onepkg backup of my current notebook?
In the OneNote desktop application, go to File > Export. Under 'Export Current', select 'Notebook'. Then, under 'Select Format', choose 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' and click the Export button to save the entire notebook to your local drive.
Will extracting a .onepkg file overwrite my existing notebooks?
No. When you open a .onepkg file, OneNote will prompt you to unpack it into a new folder. It acts as a completely separate, newly extracted notebook and will not overwrite any notebooks you currently have open.
