check before: 2025-07-28
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, OneNote
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Effective July 28, 2025, Microsoft OneNote for Windows will retire the ability to export sections or pages as Word 97-2003 documents (.doc). Users should transition to modern export formats like .docx. No admin action is required, but users should update workflows and documentation accordingly.
Details:
Note: If your organization uses Microsoft OneNote for Windows desktop, please read.
Effective July 28, 2025, we will retire the ability to export a OneNote for Windows desktop section or page as a Word 97-2003 document (.doc). No action on your part is required on your part for this retirement.
After this retirement, users will no longer see the Word 97-2003 Document (*.doc) option under the File > Export > Page/Section menu in OneNote for Windows. This change may impact workflows that rely on exporting content in the legacy .doc format.
No admin action is required. However, users should begin using modern export formats such as Word Document (*.docx), which remain available.
Please inform users who rely on the .doc export option to transition to supported format and update documentation or training materials that reference the retired export option.
Thank you for your continued partnership. If you need additional support, contact your Microsoft support team or use Help > Support in OneNote for Windows.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-06-27
updated:
2025-06-27
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft OneNote for Windows will retire the option to export sections or pages as Word 97-2003 documents (.doc) by July 28, 2025, encouraging users to transition to the .docx format for improved compatibility and functionality.
Direct effects for Operations**
Retirement of Legacy Export Format
Users will no longer be able to export OneNote pages or sections as Word 97-2003 documents (.doc), potentially disrupting existing workflows that depend on this format.
- roles: End Users, Content Creators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-onenote-for-windows-export-to-word-97-2003-format/ba-p/3851230
Workflow Disruption
Organizations that have integrated the .doc export format into their processes may face interruptions, requiring users to adapt to new workflows using .docx.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-onenote-for-windows-export-to-word-97-2003-format/ba-p/3851230
Training and Documentation Updates
Users will need to update their training materials and documentation to reflect the change, which may lead to confusion and errors if not managed properly.
- roles: Trainers, Documentation Specialists
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-onenote-for-windows-export-to-word-97-2003-format/ba-p/3851230
Increased Support Requests
As users transition away from the .doc format, there may be an increase in support requests related to the new export options and workflow adjustments.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-onenote-for-windows-export-to-word-97-2003-format/ba-p/3851230
User Experience Impact
Users accustomed to the .doc format may experience frustration and decreased productivity during the transition to .docx, affecting overall user satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Business Analysts
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-onenote-for-windows-export-to-word-97-2003-format/ba-p/3851230
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
User Training and Documentation Update
With the retirement of the Word 97-2003 export option, it's essential to provide training sessions and updated documentation to ensure users are familiar with the new .docx format and its features. This will enhance user experience and productivity as they adapt to the change.
- next-steps: Develop a training program that includes tutorials on using the .docx format effectively, and update existing documentation to reflect the changes. Schedule training sessions before the retirement date.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Department Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/export-a-onenote-page-or-section-to-word-8d3c2b9e-74f3-49a5-9e7c-1c8f3e7f02a5
Workflow Optimization
Identify and optimize workflows that currently depend on the legacy .doc format. Transitioning to .docx can streamline processes and improve collaboration among users who share notes and documents.
- next-steps: Conduct a survey to understand which teams rely on the .doc export option, then analyze their workflows to suggest improvements or alternative methods using .docx. Implement changes based on feedback.
- roles: Business Analysts, Project Managers, Department Heads
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/03/02/whats-new-in-onenote-for-windows-10/
Automation of Export Processes
Implement automation tools or scripts that facilitate the transition from .doc to .docx format, allowing users to export their content seamlessly without manual intervention, thus saving time and reducing errors.
- next-steps: Research and develop or acquire automation tools that can convert existing .doc files to .docx. Train users on how to use these tools effectively.
- roles: IT Administrators, Software Developers, Operations Managers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/03/02/whats-new-in-onenote-for-windows-10/
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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