When migrating from OneNote for Windows 10 to the latest OneNote app, you may encounter a backup failure. This typically happens because your notebook contains unsynced content that needs to be preserved before migration.
Why a Backup Is Needed
A backup ensures that any unsynced pages or sections in your OneNote for Windows 10 notebook are saved before the migration process begins. Without this step, unsynced content could be lost.
What to Do If Backup Fails
If your backup fails during migration, you have two options:
Step 1: Ensure Your Notebook Is Fully Synced
-
Open OneNote for Windows 10.
-
Go to the Notebooks list and select the notebook you’re migrating.
-
If you see a warning icon (⚠️) next to a notebook, right-click the notebook and choose Sync This Notebook or Sync All Notebooks.
-
Wait until no notebooks show the warning icon.
💡 Tip: If syncing doesn’t start, check your internet connection.
Step 2: Free Up Space on Your Device
-
Backup failures can occur if your device is low on storage.
-
To free up space:
-
Delete unnecessary files or apps.
-
Empty the recycle bin.
-
Move large files to cloud storage or an external drive.
-
-
After freeing space, restart the migration process.
⚠️ Note: Backups are stored locally during migration, so you’ll need enough free storage for your notebook files.
If the Problem Persists
If backup errors continue after syncing your notebooks and freeing up space:
-
Make sure you’re signed into the same Microsoft account in both OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote on Windows.
-
If you still can’t complete the migration, go to Help > Support in OneNote on Windows and share the specific error message you see with the support team.
