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How to Move or Copy OneNote Sections to Another Notebook

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to transfer hundreds of sections from a OneNote notebook experiencing persistent synchronization errors to functional notebooks.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating notes and sections out of a failing or corrupted notebook to ensure data is safely synced to the cloud.
Observed behavior: The user is able to export the sections but is unsure how to properly import them back, seeking a reliable method to transfer the sections to new notebooks without losing data.

Before you start

Before transferring your sections, ensure that your destination notebooks are fully synchronized and accessible on your current device to prevent any potential data loss during the transfer process.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in Copy Feature to Transfer Sections

Using the right-click copy function is the safest method to transfer sections, allowing you to verify successful synchronization before removing the original files.

It is highly recommended to use the 'Copy' function rather than 'Move'. Moving sections directly can result in permanent data loss if a synchronization error occurs mid-transfer or if the app crashes.

Open the source notebook

Launch Microsoft OneNote and navigate to the notebook that contains the synchronization errors.

Access the Move or Copy menu

Locate the specific section you want to transfer, right-click on its section tab at the top or side of the screen, and select 'Move or Copy' from the context menu.

Select the destination notebook

In the dialog box that appears, scroll through your list of open notebooks, click to select the destination notebook where you want to transfer the section, and then click the 'Copy' button.

Verify the synchronization

Open the destination notebook to confirm the section has been copied. Check the sync status icon to ensure the new section has successfully synced to the cloud.

Delete the original section

Only after confirming the successful synchronization of the copied section, right-click the original section in the source notebook and select 'Delete'.

Batch Transfer Limitation: You will need to perform this action for each section individually, as OneNote does not natively support copying multiple sections in a single bulk action without relying on third-party add-ins.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn't I use the 'Move' option instead of 'Copy' in OneNote?

Using the 'Move' option deletes the original section immediately after placing it in the new location. If a sync error or network disruption occurs during this process, the section might be lost permanently. Copying leaves the original intact until you can verify the transfer was successful.

Can I select and copy multiple OneNote sections at once?

OneNote does not natively support selecting and copying multiple sections simultaneously. You must right-click and copy each section individually, or use the desktop version's export feature to export an entire notebook.

How do I import exported OneNote sections (.one files)?

If you exported sections as .one files, you can open them directly in the OneNote desktop application by going to File > Open and browsing for the file. Once opened in the 'Open Sections' area, you can right-click the section tab and use the 'Move or Copy' feature to place it into your desired permanent notebook.

What should I do if the copied section won't sync in the new notebook either?

If the new notebook also experiences sync errors, check your OneDrive storage capacity to ensure it isn't full, verify your internet connection, or try creating a completely new notebook directly on OneDrive via your web browser and copying the sections there.

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