'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Restore Quick Notes After Deleting the OneNote Notebooks Folder
Question details
The user needs to recover OneNote Quick Notes that are stuck loading after the OneNote Notebooks folder was accidentally deleted.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Accidental deletion of the OneNote Notebooks folder resulting in missing or inaccessible Quick Notes.
- Observed behavior
- Quick Notes fails to load, displaying a persistent stuck loading message inside the application.
Ensure you are logged into your Windows administrator account, as you will need permission to access hidden AppData folders to locate your automatic backups.
Recover Quick Notes from OneNote Local Backup
Use this method to extract and restore your deleted Quick Notes directly from the automatic local backup folder maintained by OneNote.
OneNote automatically creates periodic backups of your notebooks, including Quick Notes. Even if the primary folder is deleted, you can often retrieve your data from this backup directory.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\<profile>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\Backup\Quick Notes. Replace '<profile>' with your actual Windows username. You may need to enable 'Hidden items' in the View tab to see the AppData folder.
Locate the most recent .one file in the Backup folder. Double-click the file to open it directly in the OneNote desktop application.
Once the recovered Quick Notes load in OneNote, right-click the section tab at the top and select 'Move or Copy'. Choose an active, existing notebook to permanently store the recovered notes.
Go to File > Options > Save & Backup. Check the 'Quick Notes Section' path under 'Save' to ensure OneNote is pointing to a valid directory for future notes.
Reinstall Microsoft Office
If recovering from a local backup fails and OneNote remains stuck, reinstalling Office will reset the application's underlying directory structure.
Enjoy a Reliable and Lightweight Office Alternative
If troubleshooting missing folders and application loading errors is slowing you down, try WPS Office. It provides a seamless, highly compatible alternative for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without complex folder dependencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my OneNote Quick Notes stuck on a loading screen?
This typically occurs when the source file (QuickNotes.one) or its parent OneNote Notebooks folder has been moved, renamed, or deleted, making it impossible for the application to locate and load the required data.
Can I recover the deleted OneNote Notebooks folder from the Recycle Bin?
Yes, if you recently deleted the folder from your local hard drive, open the Windows Recycle Bin. If the folder is there, right-click it and select 'Restore' to place it back in its original location, which usually resolves the loading error.
How often does OneNote back up my Quick Notes automatically?
By default, the desktop version of OneNote backs up your notebooks once a week. You can adjust this frequency or trigger a manual backup anytime by navigating to File > Options > Save & Backup.
