Unable to switch to new OneNote - error during backup

I have the exact same issue as described above - no 'file' option, and the backup wizard always ends on an error, forcing me to open a troubleshooting guide that offers no help. My account is a work account and I do not have time to be manually backing up my data, but as I use OneNote as a work tool, I cannot afford to lose any of this data.

Surely there is a simple solution at your end Microsoft, so that users don't have to go through a time-costly process of manually backing up files, especially when we are not tech geniuses. It's your responsibility to ensure the transition can occur since you instigated the change!

 Hi @Toby McDaid

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Q&A Support.

To better assist you, could you please confirm what type of Microsoft account you're using with OneNote?

• Is it a work or school account (e.g., part of Microsoft 365 for Business or Education)?
• Or is it a personal Microsoft account (e.g., Outlook.com, Hotmail.com)?

This will help ensure the solution fits your setup.

Also, if possible, could you please share a screenshot of the error message, especially if it includes an error code?

In the mean time, if you're using a work or school account, please try the following steps:

1. Check the Backup Folder Location 

• Open OneNote for Windows 10. 
• Go to File > Options > Save & Backup. 
• Review the folder listed under “Backup Folder.” 
• Make sure:  
  • The folder exists. 
    • You have write permissions. 
      • It’s located on your local drive (preferably C:\ ) rather than a network or external drive. 

2. Ensure Notebooks Are Fully Synced  

• If your notebooks are stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, confirm they are fully synced. 
• You can check sync status by clicking the notebook name and selecting View Sync Status. 
• If syncing fails, refer to Fix issues when you can't sync OneNote. 

3. Try Manual Backup  

• Instead of using the “Switch Now” wizard, manually back up your notebooks:  
  • Open each notebook. 
    • Use File > Export to save a copy of the notebook or individual sections. 
      • You can also copy sections to a new notebook in the latest OneNote version. 

4. Update OneNote  

• Open Microsoft Store and check for updates to OneNote. 
• Make sure you’re using the latest version of the unified OneNote app for Windows. 

5. Move Local Notebooks to the Cloud  

• If your notebooks are stored locally, consider moving them to OneDrive for better sync and backup support. 
• Follow this guide: Troubleshoot moving notebooks to the cloud. 

If you need any further assistance or have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help. 

Thank you again for your patience and for choosing Microsoft Q&A forum. 

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 Hi @Toby, @John and @Michael
I’ve reviewed your scenario carefully, and you’re absolutely right: the OneNote for Windows 10 app doesn’t include the File ▸ Options ▸ Save & Backup menu. That backup interface is part of the new OneNote desktop app (purple icon), which Microsoft is transitioning users to. 

To help you complete the Switch Now wizard successfully, here’s a precise, low-risk workaround that reliably resolves the backup step. 

 Next step: 

1) Install the OneNote desktop app  

• Open the Microsoft Store and install OneNote  
• Sign in with the same work account you use in OneNote for Windows 10. 

2) Create a local backup folder 

1. In File Explorer, create:   

  C:\OneNoteMigrationBackup 

2. Right‑click the folder ▸ Properties ▸ Security ▸ Edit and confirm your user has Full control. 

 3) Set up backup in the desktop app 

1. In OneNote (desktop): File ▸ Options ▸ Save & Backup.  
2. Backup Folder ▸ Modify… → pick C:\OneNoteMigrationBackup.  
3. Click Back Up All Notebooks Now and wait for it to complete. 

• You should see .one files appear in C:\OneNoteMigrationBackup\… 

4) Run the Switch Now wizard again 

• Go back to the Windows 10 app and click Switch Now again.  
• When it shows the backup location, it should be the same path, and the Back up notes step should complete. 

   If you run into any issues during these steps or need further help, feel free to ask, I’m always happy to assist!

Has anyone been successful with this? Looking to upgrade but can't get past backup error.

I think I figured this out! Hopefully, these steps will work for you:

1. I followed the steps outlined above to ensure I had full permissions for OneNote.
2. I opened OneDrive on the web and kept that window open.
3. I opened OneNote for Windows 10 on desktop and clicked on my main notebook (not any pages) and clicked SYNC to ensure it was backed up in OneDrive online
4. Going back to the open OneDrive, I clicked on the newly synced OneNote folder and selected OPEN (this version is your backed up version in OneDrive)
5. When OneNote opens, you'll see that you now have a FILE option in the upper left.
6. When you select file, you'll see this:
   
7. Click on "Edit in Desktop App" - then you'll see this pop up:
   
8. Open Pick an App, and you'll see an option to select an app to open the onenote.link. Choose OneNote (DO NOT choose OneNote for Windows 10!) and select Always. Your folder and pages should now show up in OneNote and any further changes will always sync to this rather than the One Note for Windows 10. VOILA! Let me know if this works for you.