Microsoft 365 Migration

How to Save OneNote Files Before Switching Microsoft 365 Plans

Steve K Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users need to preserve and migrate their OneNote notebooks when transitioning from a Microsoft 365 Business subscription to a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.

How to Save OneNote Files Before Switching Microsoft 365 Plans

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Windows, Mac
Scenario: Switching from a business to a personal or family Microsoft 365 subscription plan.
Observed behavior: Export capabilities differ across operating systems, requiring specific methods to prevent data loss before the original account is closed.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for both your current Microsoft 365 Business account and your new Microsoft 365 Family account ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Export OneNote Notebooks on Windows Desktop

Use this method if you are on a Windows PC. The OneNote desktop app includes a built-in feature to export entire notebooks as package files.

The export feature is the safest and most efficient way to backup an entire notebook, but it is currently only available on the Windows desktop version of OneNote.

Open your Notebook

Launch the OneNote desktop application on Windows and load the notebook you want to save from your Business account.

Access the Export Menu

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Export' from the left-hand sidebar menu.

Select Export Scope

Under the '1. Export Current' section, choose 'Notebook' to ensure you are exporting the entire file rather than just a page or section.

Save the Package

Under '2. Select Format', choose 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' and click the 'Export' button. Choose a local destination on your hard drive to save the file.

Export OneNote Notebooks on Windows Desktop

Data Secured: You can later double-click this .onepkg file while logged into your new Microsoft 365 Family account to unpack and restore all sections and pages.

Solution 2

Copy Notebook Sections Manually on Mac

Since OneNote for Mac lacks a direct notebook export tool, you must manually copy your notebook contents to a new notebook created under your Family account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my OneNote notebooks if my Microsoft 365 Business subscription expires?

Yes, once the business account is fully deactivated and its data is purged by the administrator, you will lose access. Always export or copy your notebooks before the subscription ends.

Can I export a OneNote notebook directly from the web browser?

Currently, the full notebook export feature is only robustly supported in the OneNote desktop application for Windows. OneNote for Web does not support exporting entire notebooks for business accounts.

How do I know if my manually copied OneNote sections have finished syncing on Mac?

Look for the cloud icon with a checkmark next to your notebook name. This indicates that it is fully synced with OneDrive. Do not sign out or remove the old account until this sync status is confirmed.

Migration & Recovery