Microsoft 365 Migration

How to Transfer OneNote Notebooks Between University Accounts

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to move OneNote notebooks from an old university account that is scheduled for closure to a new Microsoft 365 university account.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating study materials and notes to a new Microsoft 365 account before the previous university account gets permanently deactivated.
Observed behavior: Notebooks need to be safely exported and imported into the new account without relying solely on OneDrive syncing, ensuring no synchronization errors or data loss occurs during the account transition.

Before you start

Ensure you have the desktop version of OneNote (such as OneNote 2016) installed on your computer, as the web and mobile versions do not support exporting full notebook packages. Also, verify you have enough local storage space to temporarily save your notebook files.

Solution 1Recommended

Export and Import Notebooks Using OneNote 2016

Use the desktop version of OneNote to package your entire notebook into a single file and unpack it directly into your new account's cloud storage.

This method ensures that all your notebook sections and pages are safely downloaded to your local drive before being uploaded to your new university account. Do not rely solely on dragging and dropping folders in OneDrive, as this can break OneNote synchronization links and corrupt the files.

Sign in to the old account

Open OneNote 2016 (or the OneNote desktop app) and sign in using your old university account credentials. Open the notebook you wish to transfer and wait for it to fully sync.

Export the notebook as a package

Click on 'File' in the top-left menu, select 'Export', and then choose 'Notebook' under 'Export Current'. Select 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' as the file format, click 'Export', and save the file to your local computer.

Switch to the new account

Sign out of your old university account within the OneNote application and sign in with your new Microsoft 365 university account.

Import to the new account

Locate the saved .onepkg file on your computer and double-click to open it in OneNote. When the 'Unpack Notebook' prompt appears, select your new account's OneDrive folder as the import location.

Complete synchronization

Allow OneNote sufficient time to upload and synchronize the newly imported notebook to your new account. Keep the application open and connected to the internet until the sync status indicates it is up to date.

Important Reminder: You will need to repeat this export and import process individually for every notebook you wish to transfer to the new university account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Study Notes and Documents with WPS Office

While OneNote migrations require specific Microsoft steps, managing your general university assignments shouldn't be a hassle. WPS Office provides a lightweight, versatile suite for your new university term, offering robust compatibility and easy file management without complex account migrations.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and install it quickly on your PC, Mac, or mobile device.
2. Set Up Your Workspace: Create a free WPS account to access cloud storage and enable seamless cross-device syncing for your notes and documents.
3. Open Your Documents: Easily open, edit, and organize your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx university files directly in WPS Office.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in PDF editor for annotating lecture slides, textbooks, and research papers.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interface perfect for students.Free integrated cloud storage to safely sync your study materials across all your devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer OneNote notebooks using just the web browser?

No, the web version of OneNote does not support exporting full notebook packages. You must use a desktop version like OneNote 2016 to create a .onepkg file for a safe transfer.

Why shouldn't I just move the OneNote files directly in OneDrive?

Moving OneNote shortcuts directly within OneDrive often breaks the synchronization links and can lead to severe data loss. Exporting and importing via the OneNote desktop application is the only Microsoft-recommended method.

What if I use a Mac? Can I export .onepkg files?

OneNote for Mac does not currently support exporting .onepkg files natively. You will need to use a Windows PC (or a Windows virtual machine) to perform the export, or manually copy and paste sections into a new notebook on your Mac.

Will my notebook sharing links remain active after the transfer?

No, transferring the notebook creates a completely new file in your new Microsoft 365 account. Any previous sharing links will break, and you will need to generate and send new sharing links to your classmates or professors.

Migration & Recovery