File size on OneNote Class Book

Question

File size on OneNote Class Book

Mark Mason 0

I have attempted to distribute a page in OneNote Class Book and it tells me that it cannot be distributed as it is too large. The size of the attachment is 36MB. I understood that one could distribute up to 50MB.

Please advise,

[Moderator note: personal identifiable Information removed]

Chris-D 1,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-20T23:00:38.0666667+00:00

Hi Mark,

I hope all is well with you.

I wanted to follow up on the issue and see if there have been any developments since our last communication.

Please let me know if there are any updates or if there's anything else I can assist with.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

2 answers

Your answer

Chris-D 1,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-20T23:00:38.0666667+00:00

Hi Mark,

I hope all is well with you.

I wanted to follow up on the issue and see if there have been any developments since our last communication.

Please let me know if there are any updates or if there's anything else I can assist with.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer 1

Hi Mark,

Thank you for sharing the details of your concern.

Although the attachment itself is 36MB, the size limit for distributing a page in OneNote Class Notebook may apply to the overall page distribution size, not only the original attachment size. OneNote may calculate additional page content such as embedded file data, file previews, images, formatting, cached content, and page version data. Because of this, the effective size of the page being distributed may exceed the allowed limit, even if the visible attachment is under 50MB.

To help address this, here are some steps you can try:

Split the content into smaller pages
If the page contains a large attachment, images, or printouts, try dividing the content across two or more pages and distribute them separately.
Upload the file to OneDrive and insert a link
Instead of attaching the file directly to the OneNote page, upload it to OneDrive and insert the sharing link into the page. This is usually more reliable for larger files.
Check for large images or PDF printouts
If the page includes PDF printouts or pasted images, consider compressing them or removing unnecessary content before distributing.
Ensure the notebook is fully synced
Please allow OneNote to complete syncing before attempting to distribute the page again.
Try distributing from the OneNote desktop app
If your Microsoft 365 license includes access to the OneNote desktop app, please try using the desktop app instead of OneNote on the web, or vice versa. This can help me check whether the issue is related to a specific OneNote client.

Please try the above steps and let me know if the issue persists. If it continues to fail, please share a screenshot of the error message and confirm whether the page contains any images, PDF printouts, or other embedded files besides the 36MB attachment.

I hope this information is helpful. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to share them in the comment below. I'm very happy to help.

If the answer is helpful, please click 'Yes' and kindly upvote it.

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Mark Mason 0 Reputation points

2026-08-19T21:10:59.8666667+00:00

Thank you, Chris.

There is nothing else on the page other than the attached file and a heading. It cannot be split as it is one file. I am not sure how to do the second suggestion. The notebook is completed synced. I was distributing from the desktop app.
Chris-D 1,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-19T21:55:49.11+00:00

Hi Mark,

Thank you for clarifying. Since the page contains only the heading and the 36MB attachment, the notebook is fully synced, and you are already distributing it from the desktop app, this does not appear to be caused by additional page content or an incomplete sync.

Although the original file is 36MB, OneNote may process the attachment as part of the overall page distribution package. The processed size may therefore be larger than the original file size and may reach the distribution limit.

As the file cannot be split, the most practical workaround would be to upload it to OneDrive and add a link to the OneNote page instead of attaching the file directly.

Please try the steps below:

Go to https://onedrive.live.com/ and sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.

Select Add new or Upload, and then select Files.

Select the 36MB file and wait for the upload to complete.

Select the uploaded file and choose Share.

Under the link settings, select the appropriate access option, such as People in your organization with the link, and make sure the students have permission to view the file.

Select Copy link.

Return to the OneNote page, remove the attached file, and paste the OneDrive link beneath the heading.

Sync the notebook, and then distribute the updated page again.

If the page still cannot be distributed after replacing the attachment with a link, please let me know. To help me investigate further, could you also provide:

The file type, such as PDF, PowerPoint, Word, or video

The exact error message or a screenshot of it

Whether the same page can be distributed from OneNote on the web

I look forward to your update.

Answer 2

A 36 MB attachment can still cause Class Notebook distribution to fail if it is embedded directly on the page. In Class Notebook, large files such as PDFs and file printouts require more bandwidth and can slow or block distribution, even when the file itself does not seem unusually large.

Recommended fixes:

In OneNote for Windows desktop, check that automatic sync is enabled before distributing:
- File > Options > Sync
- Make sure Sync notebooks automatically is selected.
Avoid embedding the 36 MB file directly on the page. Safer alternatives are:
- Add a hyperlink to the file instead.
- Insert the file as an attachment instead of a file printout.
- Upload the file to OneDrive for Business first, then add it from OneDrive.
If the file is a PDF or printout, reduce its size before distributing. Large PDFs and printouts are specifically called out as a common cause of slow sync and distribution problems.
If possible, place only the essential text or smaller content on the distributed page, and keep large resources linked from OneDrive or SharePoint.

If distribution still hangs after reducing or linking the file, try distributing a simple test page with no attachment. If that works, the file content or how it was inserted is the likely cause.