File size on OneNote Class Book

Mark Mason 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T20:28:06.77+00:00

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]

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for education | Class Notebook | Manage Class Notebook

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-08-19T20:28:20.54+00:00

    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:

    1. In OneNote for Windows desktop, check that automatic sync is enabled before distributing:
      • File > Options > Sync
      • Make sure Sync notebooks automatically is selected.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Chris-D 1,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-19T20:45:16.8066667+00:00

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Ensure the notebook is fully synced
      Please allow OneNote to complete syncing before attempting to distribute the page again.
    5. 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.

    Note: Please follow the steps in the forum documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.