Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
In the supported OneNote desktop app for Windows, open File > Options > Save & Backup, choose Backup Folder, select Modify, and pick the destination folder. Click OK to save the setting. This changes where OneNote writes its backup files; it does not move your cloud notebooks, alter OneDrive folder backup, or relocate Windows system backups.
The instructions apply to OneNote for Microsoft 365, OneNote 2024, OneNote 2021, and OneNote 2016. They do not describe OneNote for the web, and the retired OneNote for Windows 10 app no longer provides a supported editing path.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What does changing the OneNote backup folder actually do?
The setting changes the destination directory used for OneNote’s automatic and user-initiated notebook backup files. Your active notebooks remain wherever they are stored, normally in Microsoft cloud storage, and OneNote continues synchronizing them independently of this local backup setting.
Microsoft documents the option in its Change the default storage location for backup files article. The control is available in the Windows desktop editions listed there, not in a browser tab. A folder change also does not move existing backup files automatically; it defines the location OneNote uses for subsequent backups. If you need older files in the new location, copy them with File Explorer after confirming that OneNote is no longer writing to the original folder.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How do I change the OneNote backup folder in Windows 11?
Use these steps in the current OneNote desktop app. You need permission to create or write to the destination folder, and the folder should be available whenever an automatic backup runs.
- Open the desktop app. Start OneNote from Windows 11 and open any notebook. The desktop application has a File menu at the top of its window.
- Open OneNote options. Select File, then choose Options.
- Open the backup settings. In the left side of the OneNote Options window, select Save & Backup.
- Choose the backup-folder control. In the Save section, select Backup Folder, then click Modify.
- Select the destination. Browse to the folder you want to use. Select the directory itself, not an individual file, and confirm the selection in the folder picker.
- Save and close. Click OK in OneNote Options if that button is shown. OneNote will use the selected directory for future backup operations.
To test the destination immediately, stay in File > Options > Save & Backup and select Back Up All Notebooks Now. Microsoft describes that command in its Back up notes instructions. After the command completes, open the destination in File Explorer and check that new backup content has appeared. A manual run is a practical way to catch a mistyped path or a folder that your account cannot write to.
Which OneNote editions support this setting?
The menu path is for the Windows desktop product line. Microsoft’s storage-location guidance covers these editions:
| Edition | Use the File > Options path? | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| OneNote for Microsoft 365 | Yes | Use the installed Windows desktop application. |
| OneNote 2024 | Yes | The setting is in Save & Backup. |
| OneNote 2021 | Yes | The setting is in Save & Backup. |
| OneNote 2016 | Yes | The setting is in Save & Backup. |
| OneNote for the web | No | A browser session does not expose the desktop backup-folder control. |
| OneNote for Windows 10 | Not a supported editing choice | Microsoft says this legacy app reached end of support on October 14, 2025 and transitioned to read-only mode. |
If you are unsure which Windows app you opened, look for the File menu across the top. Microsoft’s Moving to OneNote on Windows guidance identifies the supported OneNote app and explains the transition from the Windows 10 app. The end-of-support date is specific: Microsoft states that OneNote for Windows 10 officially reached end of support on October 14, 2025 and is now read-only.
Where should the new backup folder be?
Microsoft initially stores backups on the same hard drive as the notebooks and suggests choosing a location that gives you a separate copy, such as another drive, removable USB storage, or a private network folder. The best choice depends on whether you need protection from an internal drive failure, portability, or centralized administration.
| Destination | Why choose it | Trade-offs and checks |
|---|---|---|
| Another internal drive | Separates the backup from the primary system volume if that drive fails. | It is still inside the same computer; a lost or stolen computer can affect both drives. Confirm the drive letter remains stable. |
| External hard drive or SSD | Provides a physically separate copy and can be disconnected when not in use. | The drive must be connected and mounted when OneNote runs a scheduled backup. Protect it from damage and disconnect it safely. |
| USB flash drive | Portable and easy to store away from the PC. | Small removable media can be misplaced or fail; reconnect it for backups and keep another copy for important notebooks. |
| Private network folder | Lets a household or organization place backups on a server or network-attached location. | The network path and permissions must be available under your Windows account. A disconnected network makes that backup run unavailable. |
Microsoft identifies these as location categories rather than ranking one device or drive model. Choose a destination that is reliable, writable, and physically or logically independent enough for your risk. A backup folder on the same failing disk is convenient, but it cannot protect against that disk’s failure.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does changing this folder move my notebooks or OneDrive files?
No. The backup-folder setting controls OneNote’s backup copies only. It does not relocate a notebook, change the notebook’s cloud location, or move the Windows user profile.
OneNote notebooks are cloud-based files in Microsoft’s synchronization model. Changing OneDrive’s Windows folder-backup settings does not download or relocate those notebooks to a different local folder. Microsoft explains this distinction in Back up your folders with OneDrive. If your goal is to move a notebook itself, use OneNote’s notebook and storage-management features for that separate task; do not expect the Backup Folder control to perform it.
Likewise, this option is unrelated to Windows Backup. Windows Backup can protect selected files and settings, but it does not replace OneNote’s own section-level backup files or change the directory selected in OneNote Options.
How can I create and verify a backup right after changing the folder?
A manual backup confirms that OneNote can reach and write to the new directory instead of waiting for the next scheduled run.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Open File > Options > Save & Backup in the desktop app.
- Check that the displayed Backup Folder points to the directory you selected.
- Click Back Up All Notebooks Now.
- Wait for the command to finish, then open the destination folder in File Explorer.
- Check the modified time and file contents. Backup files use OneNote’s backup format; section files commonly have the
.oneextension.
If no new files appear, do not assume the setting worked. Check the troubleshooting section below for permissions, removable-drive, and network-path issues. You can also create a small test folder under your user profile, select it temporarily, and run the manual command to determine whether the problem is the destination or OneNote itself.
Where are OneNote backups stored in Windows 11?
There is no single Windows 11 default path that should be stated for every installation. Microsoft’s older change-location article includes a path explicitly for Windows 10, so it should not be presented as the universal Windows 11 default. The reliable answer for your computer is the path currently shown under File > Options > Save & Backup.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Microsoft’s separate migration and recovery instructions use %userprofile%Documents when describing a Windows 11 migration scenario and tell readers to look for folders named Backup or Backup_UserInitiated. That is recovery guidance for the migration case, not proof that every Windows 11 installation uses that location. The instructions are in Restore Missing Content after migrating from OneNote for Windows 10 to OneNote on Windows.
To identify the active location without guessing, open the Save & Backup page and read the Backup Folder field. If you have multiple OneNote installations, verify the path in the app that you actually use for editing; changing a setting in one application does not necessarily alter another installation.
How do I restore a page or section from a OneNote backup?
Use OneNote’s built-in recovery view rather than opening random files from File Explorer. In the desktop app, choose File > Info > Open Backups, then browse to the relevant backup folder and open the section you need.
- Start the supported OneNote desktop app.
- Select File, then Info.
- Choose Open Backups.
- Browse to the backup folder. In Microsoft’s migration scenario, Windows 11 users are directed to
%userprofile%Documentsand then to theBackuporBackup_UserInitiatedfolder. - Open the relevant
.onesection file. - Review the recovered pages, then copy or move the needed content into the live notebook.
A .one file represents a notebook section, not necessarily an entire notebook in one file. Recovery may therefore require opening more than one section and moving specific pages back into the synchronized notebook.
How often does OneNote create automatic backups?
Microsoft’s support pages describe different cadence contexts, so there is not one figure that safely applies to every current installation. The general Back up notes instructions say OneNote automatically backs up notebooks each week and let you adjust the frequency and number of retained copies in Save & Backup.
A separate, newer OneNote Platform Data Protection & Recovery page lists Windows backup as daily by default with two weeks of retention. Because those statements differ in source context, treat the controls in your installed app as authoritative: open Save & Backup and inspect the frequency and copy-count settings instead of assuming a weekly or daily schedule.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
These automatic copies are not a substitute for testing recovery. A manual Back Up All Notebooks Now run before a major migration or hardware change gives you a known point-in-time copy, while a separate drive or network destination reduces the chance that a system-disk failure destroys both the live cache and its backups.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should I check if the folder change does not work?
The Backup Folder control is missing
Confirm that you opened the Windows desktop app rather than OneNote for the web. If you are using the legacy OneNote for Windows 10 app, move to the supported OneNote app for Windows; Microsoft says the legacy app became read-only after October 14, 2025.
OneNote rejects the selected folder
Try a folder inside your user profile, such as a newly created directory under Documents, to test permissions. If that works, the original destination may require administrator rights, inherit restrictive permissions, or be controlled by security software. Grant your Windows account write access or choose a folder you can modify without elevation.
The external drive is unavailable
Reconnect the drive, confirm that Windows assigns it the expected drive letter, and run Back Up All Notebooks Now again. If the drive letter changes frequently, assign a stable letter in Windows Disk Management or use a consistently mounted destination.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The network folder cannot be reached
Open the network path in File Explorer while signed in to the same Windows account used by OneNote. Verify both share and NTFS permissions, and remember that a laptop disconnected from the network cannot complete a backup to that location.
Backups appear in the old folder
Reopen File > Options > Save & Backup and read the current Backup Folder value. You may have changed a different OneNote installation, closed Options without confirming, or be viewing files created before the change. Run a manual backup and compare timestamps in both directories.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
The backup folder is filling the disk
Use the Save & Backup settings to review the number of backup copies retained and reduce it only if the remaining history meets your recovery needs. Before deleting anything, open a few older sections to confirm that the files are valid and keep at least one copy on a separate medium.
What is the safest way to use this setting during a PC migration?
Before replacing a computer or uninstalling an older OneNote edition, create a manual backup and copy the resulting folder to storage that will remain available during the transition. On the new Windows 11 installation, sign in to the supported OneNote app, confirm notebook synchronization, then set the desired Backup Folder and run another manual backup.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you are migrating from OneNote for Windows 10, follow Microsoft’s migration-recovery guidance for locating legacy backup sections. Do not treat the migration folder described there as a permanent default for every Windows 11 user. After recovery, open sections through File > Info > Open Backups and copy only the missing content into the live notebooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different OneNote backup folders for different notebooks?
The Save & Backup page exposes one Backup Folder setting for the desktop application, not a per-notebook destination selector. If separate storage is required, organize copies after OneNote creates them or use distinct Windows accounts and app configurations rather than expecting a notebook-level switch.
Will OneNote back up while my USB drive is disconnected?
No. A removable destination must be mounted and writable when the scheduled or manual backup runs. Reconnect the drive and run Back Up All Notebooks Now after Windows recognizes it.
Can I open a .one backup file without restoring the whole notebook?
Yes. Use File > Info > Open Backups to open the section, inspect its pages, and copy only the material you need into a current notebook. A .one file is generally a section, so it may not contain every section from the original notebook.
Recommended Free Tools
Does changing the backup folder increase my OneDrive storage use?
No. The setting changes local or network backup output. It does not move cloud notebooks or alter OneDrive’s synchronization quota; any storage impact comes from the destination you selected and the number of retained backup copies.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
