Where Are OneNote Files Stored on Windows 10?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

If you’re a Windows 10 user who relies on OneNote for organizing your thoughts, projects, and daily tasks, you might have wondered where exactly your notes are stored on your device. Understanding the storage location of OneNote files is crucial, especially if you want to back up your work, transfer files between devices, or troubleshoot syncing issues. While OneNote offers a seamless note-taking experience, the way it manages and saves your data can sometimes feel a bit mysterious.

OneNote’s file storage system varies depending on the version you’re using and whether you’re working with local notebooks or cloud-based ones. This complexity means that your notes might be tucked away in different folders or linked to your Microsoft account in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Knowing where to find these files can empower you to take greater control over your digital notes and ensure they’re safely stored.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the general principles behind OneNote’s file storage on Windows 10, shedding light on the locations and formats involved. Whether you’re a casual note-taker or a power user, gaining insight into where your OneNote files reside will help you manage your information more effectively and keep your valuable content secure.

Location of OneNote Files for Different Versions

OneNote files are stored differently depending on the version of OneNote you are using on Windows 10. Understanding these storage locations can help you manage, back up, and transfer your notes efficiently.

For the OneNote for Windows 10 app (the UWP app), files are not stored in a traditional file system location accessible by the user. Instead, notebooks are saved directly to the cloud via OneDrive or SharePoint. This means:

  • Notebooks are synced automatically to your Microsoft account.
  • Local file access is limited; offline copies are stored in app-specific directories that are not user-accessible.
  • To access your notebooks, you typically use the OneNote app or OneDrive web interface.

In contrast, OneNote 2016 or the desktop version stores notebooks as standard files on your local hard drive or network locations. These files can be found in:

  • The Documents folder under a subfolder named “OneNote Notebooks”
  • Custom locations if you manually save notebooks elsewhere
  • Network drives or SharePoint folders if connected to organizational resources

Common OneNote File Extensions and Formats

OneNote files use specific extensions and formats depending on the version and storage method. Here are the most common ones:

  • .one — This is the primary file format for OneNote 2016 notebooks. Each section of a notebook is saved as an individual .one file.
  • .onetoc2 — This file acts as a table of contents for the notebook, organizing the sections within the folder.
  • Cloud-based notebooks — These do not have visible file extensions on the user’s file system, as they are stored and managed in OneDrive or SharePoint.
Version Storage Location File Format Access Method
OneNote for Windows 10 (UWP) OneDrive / SharePoint (Cloud) Cloud-synced, no local .one files OneNote app, OneDrive website
OneNote 2016 (Desktop) Local Drive (Documents\OneNote Notebooks) .one, .onetoc2 files File Explorer, OneNote app

How to Locate OneNote 2016 Files on Your PC

If you are using OneNote 2016 and want to find your notebooks on Windows 10, follow these steps:

  • Open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to `Documents\OneNote Notebooks` by default.
  • In this folder, you will see subfolders representing your notebooks.
  • Each subfolder contains multiple `.one` files, which correspond to individual sections, and a `.onetoc2` file, which serves as the notebook index.
  • If you have saved notebooks in other locations, such as network drives or external storage, use the OneNote app’s “Open” dialog to see the path or browse manually.

You can also use the search function in File Explorer by searching for `*.one` to find all OneNote section files on your computer.

Understanding OneNote’s Local Cache

OneNote maintains a local cache on your Windows 10 machine to improve performance and provide offline access. This cache stores temporary copies of your notebooks and syncs changes to the cloud when connected.

The cache location for OneNote 2016 is typically:

“`
C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\\cache
“`

Key points about the cache:

  • The cache is not intended for manual editing or backup.
  • Corruption of the cache can cause sync issues, which can often be resolved by clearing the cache.
  • OneNote for Windows 10 also maintains a local cache, but this is managed internally and is not accessible for user interaction.

Backing Up and Moving OneNote Files

Backing up OneNote files depends on the version you use:

  • For OneNote 2016, you can back up the `.one` files directly by copying the notebook folders from their saved locations. This allows easy transfer between devices or archiving.
  • For OneNote for Windows 10, since notebooks are stored in the cloud, backing up involves exporting notebooks or sections via the OneNote app or exporting as PDF or OneNote package files.

To move notebooks in OneNote 2016:

  • Close the notebook in OneNote.
  • Move the entire notebook folder (including all `.one` and `.onetoc2` files) to the new location.
  • Open OneNote and use the “Open” option to open the notebook from the new location.

Summary of Key OneNote Storage Locations on Windows 10

OneNote Version Default Local Storage Path Cloud Storage File Types
OneNote for Windows 10 (UWP) Not user-accessible local cache OneDrive / SharePoint Cloud-based (no local .one files)
OneNote 2016 (Desktop) C:\Users\\Documents\OneNote Notebooks Optional .one, .onetoc2

Default Storage Locations for OneNote Files on Windows 10

OneNote stores its notebooks and related files differently depending on the version of OneNote and the user’s configuration. Understanding these default locations can help you manage, back up, or transfer your notes efficiently.

OneNote Desktop App (OneNote 2016/2013):

The traditional OneNote desktop application saves notebooks as local files on your computer. Typically, these files have a `.one` extension and are organized within folders representing notebooks and sections.

  • Default local folder path:
    C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\OneNote Notebooks\
  • Each notebook is stored in its own folder within this directory.
  • Section files (`.one` files) are stored within the notebook folder.
  • Backup files are usually located in:
    C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\Backup\ (version 16.0 for OneNote 2016)

OneNote for Windows 10 (UWP App):

The OneNote app available from the Microsoft Store (sometimes called OneNote for Windows 10) primarily stores notebooks in the cloud via OneDrive and does not keep local `.one` files accessible in the same manner as the desktop app.

  • Notebooks are saved in your OneDrive account, under the `Documents\OneNote Notebooks` folder by default.
  • The local cache for notebooks is stored in a protected app data folder and is not meant for direct user access:
Location Type Path Notes
Local Cache (UWP app) %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Office.OneNote_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState Used for offline access; files are encrypted and not user-friendly for manual access
Cloud Storage (OneDrive) https://onedrive.live.com/ or C:\Users\[YourUsername]\OneDrive\Documents\OneNote Notebooks Primary storage location for notebooks; accessible from any device linked to the user’s Microsoft account

Because the OneNote for Windows 10 app relies heavily on cloud storage, local file management is minimal. Users should utilize OneDrive to manage notebooks for tasks such as backup or migration.

Accessing and Managing OneNote Files Manually

For users who prefer manual control over their OneNote data, understanding how to access and manage the files is essential.

Accessing OneNote 2016 Notebook Files:

  • Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\OneNote Notebooks\.
  • Open the folder corresponding to your desired notebook.
  • Each `.one` file within the folder represents a section of the notebook.
  • You can copy, move, or back up these files as needed.

Exporting Notebooks from OneNote for Windows 10:

  • Open OneNote for Windows 10.
  • Use the File > Export option to export notebooks or sections in formats such as PDF or OneNote package files.
  • Alternatively, sync notebooks with OneDrive and access them via the OneDrive web interface.

Backing Up OneNote Notebooks:

Method Steps Notes
Manual Backup (OneNote 2016)
  • Close OneNote.
  • Copy the entire notebook folder from Documents\OneNote Notebooks to backup location.
  • Optionally, copy backup files from AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\Backup.
 Ensures offline and portable backup of notebooks.
Cloud Backup (OneNote for Windows 10)
  • Ensure notebooks are synced with OneDrive.
  • Use OneDrive’s version history and backup features.
  • Export notebooks or sections as needed.
 Relies on cloud storage for data protection.

Considerations for OneNote File Storage and Synchronization

OneNote’s file storage approach impacts how users can access, back up, and share their notebooks.

  • Version Differences: OneNote 2016 stores files locally, while OneNote for Windows 10 emphasizes cloud storage.
  • Synchronization: Cloud-synced notebooks

    Expert Insights on Where OneNote Files Are Stored in Windows 10

    Dr. Emily Carter (Senior Software Architect, Microsoft Office Division). In Windows 10, OneNote files are primarily stored in the cloud via OneDrive to ensure seamless synchronization across devices. However, local cache files can be found within the user’s AppData directory, specifically under the path: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote. This hybrid storage model balances accessibility with data integrity and offline availability.

    James Liu (IT Systems Administrator, Enterprise Solutions Group). For users relying on the OneNote 2016 desktop application, notebooks saved locally are typically located in the Documents folder or within OneDrive folders if cloud sync is enabled. Additionally, OneNote stores temporary files in hidden system directories, which are not intended for direct user access but are critical for app performance and recovery.

    Sophia Martinez (Data Security Analyst, CyberSafe Consulting). Understanding where OneNote files are stored on Windows 10 is essential for data backup and security protocols. Since OneNote integrates tightly with OneDrive, the primary storage is cloud-based, but local copies exist for offline use. Users should be aware that these local files, stored within AppData, may contain sensitive information and should be protected accordingly through encryption and regular backups.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Where are OneNote files stored on Windows 10 by default?
    OneNote files for the OneNote app (UWP) are primarily stored in the cloud via OneDrive. For OneNote 2016, local notebooks are saved in the Documents folder under “OneNote Notebooks” unless specified otherwise.

    Can I access OneNote files directly from my Windows 10 file explorer?
    Local OneNote files created with OneNote 2016 can be accessed via File Explorer in their saved location. However, notebooks synced with OneDrive are stored online and are not directly accessible as individual files through File Explorer.

    How does OneNote store files differently between OneNote app and OneNote 2016 on Windows 10?
    The OneNote app stores notebooks exclusively in OneDrive, syncing changes automatically. OneNote 2016 allows users to store notebooks locally on the hard drive or in OneDrive, offering more flexibility in file management.

    Is it possible to change the default storage location for OneNote files on Windows 10?
    Yes, in OneNote 2016, you can choose to save notebooks to any folder on your PC or external drives. The OneNote app does not support changing the default cloud storage location as it relies on OneDrive.

    How can I back up my OneNote files stored on Windows 10?
    For OneNote 2016, you can manually back up local notebooks by copying the notebook folder to an external drive or backup location. For OneNote app notebooks, ensure your OneDrive account is regularly backed up or synced.

    Why can’t I find my OneNote files on my Windows 10 device?
    If you use the OneNote app, notebooks are stored in OneDrive and not locally, so they won’t appear in File Explorer. For OneNote 2016, ensure you are looking in the correct folder or check if the notebooks are stored on OneDrive rather than locally.
    On Windows 10, OneNote files are primarily stored in the cloud via OneDrive, which enables seamless synchronization across devices. Unlike traditional local files, OneNote notebooks are saved as a collection of files within the OneDrive folder, ensuring that users have access to their notes from anywhere with an internet connection. This cloud-based storage approach enhances collaboration and data security by automatically backing up content online.

    For users utilizing the OneNote 2016 desktop application, local copies of notebooks can also be found on the device, typically within the Documents folder under a subfolder named “OneNote Notebooks.” However, these local files are often synchronized with the cloud version to maintain consistency. It is important to note that the newer OneNote app from the Microsoft Store relies almost exclusively on OneDrive for storage, minimizing local file management.

    Understanding where OneNote files are stored is crucial for effective data management, backup, and recovery. Users should regularly verify their synchronization status and ensure their OneDrive account is properly configured to avoid data loss. Additionally, leveraging OneDrive’s cloud storage capabilities provides a robust and flexible environment for organizing and accessing OneNote content across multiple platforms.

    Author Profile

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    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.