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How to Store OneNote Notebooks Locally on Windows
Question details
The user wants to save and store Microsoft OneNote notebooks directly on a local hard drive instead of using cloud storage like OneDrive or SharePoint.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Creating a new notebook or saving an existing notebook to a local PC folder.
- Observed behavior
- Users may be unable to find a local save option or a File menu because they are using the retiring OneNote for Windows 10 app, which forces cloud storage.
Before proceeding, check the top-left corner of your OneNote application for a 'File' tab to confirm you are using the correct desktop version that supports local storage.
Use the Current OneNote Desktop Application
Switch from the retiring OneNote for Windows 10 to the current OneNote desktop application to access the File menu and enable local notebook creation.
Microsoft provides two different OneNote applications for Windows. The 'OneNote for Windows 10' app does not have a File menu and only supports cloud-based notebooks. To store notebooks locally, you must use the standard 'OneNote' desktop application.
Open your OneNote app. Look at the top ribbon menu. If there is no 'File' tab at the top-left, you are using OneNote for Windows 10. You need to download the standard 'OneNote' app from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft website.
Launch the current OneNote desktop app. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window.
In the File menu, click on 'New'. From the list of storage locations, select 'This PC' or click 'Browse' to choose a specific local folder on your hard drive.
Enter a name for your notebook in the 'Notebook Name' field and click the 'Create Notebook' button. Your notebook is now stored securely on your local Windows drive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the File menu in OneNote?
If you do not see a File menu, you are likely using 'OneNote for Windows 10'. This specific version was designed primarily for cloud synchronization and does not include the traditional File menu. You need to install the standard 'OneNote' desktop app to access it.
Can I move an existing cloud notebook to my local drive?
Yes. Open the cloud-based notebook in the standard OneNote desktop app, click on 'File', select 'Export', choose 'Notebook', and export it as a OneNote Package to your local drive. You can then unpack and open it locally.
Will Microsoft delete my OneNote for Windows 10 notebooks?
No, your notebooks are safely stored in your Microsoft account (OneDrive/SharePoint). When you switch to the current OneNote desktop application and sign in with the same account, your notebooks will automatically sync.
What happens if my hard drive crashes with a local notebook?
Unlike cloud-synced notebooks, local notebooks are only stored on your specific device. It is highly recommended to regularly back up the folder containing your local OneNote notebooks to an external hard drive to prevent data loss.
