1. Select the File menu and choose Options.

  2. On the Save & Backup tab, select Backup Folder.

  • To change where a backup is stored, select Modify.

  • To choose a time interval, select or clear Automatically back up my notebook...

  • To manually back up, select Back Up Changed Files Now, or Back Up All Notebooks Now.

Tip: Optionally, under Optimizing files, set the amount of space files use and how often they're optimized. 

OneNote automatically saves everything you do. You don't need to save or back up your files.

You can modify backup settings in the OneNote desktop app.

  • To open the desktop app, at the top of the ribbon, select Editing > Open in Desktop App.

    Open in desktop app menu

Don't have the app? Get it for free in the Microsoft Store.

  1. From the OneNote menu, select Preferences and choose Backups.

  2. In the Backups dialog box, choose Back Up Changed Notes Now or Back Up All Notebooks Now

To turn automatic backup on or off, or set how often it runs, select or clear Automatically back up my notebooks and choose an interval from the drop-down. 

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.