How to resolve a Onedrive Sync issue

Fundeka Rungqu Transnet Port Terminals NCT 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T13:47:12.6433333+00:00

Please assist with a OneDrive sync issue that has resulted in duplicate folders being created. Each duplicate folder contains different files, while some folders are empty, making it difficult to identify the correct content and consolidate the folders effectively. Your assistance in resolving the sync issue and restoring a single, accurate folder structure would be greatly appreciated.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  1. Killian N 3,820 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-10T14:02:30.1566667+00:00

    Hi Fundeka Rungqu Transnet Port Terminals NCT

    Before deleting or merging anything, please pause OneDrive syncing and create a backup copy of all affected folders in a location outside the OneDrive folder, such as an external drive or a temporary folder on your computer. This will help prevent accidental data loss.

    Then, please follow these steps:

    1. Sign in to OneDrive.com and check which folders and files are available in the cloud. Treat the online version as the reference point before making changes.
    2. Compare the duplicate folders by checking their file names, sizes, and modified dates.
    3. Copy any unique files into one newly created folder. Do not overwrite files with the same name unless you have confirmed which version is correct.
    4. Confirm that the consolidated folder contains all required files before removing the empty or duplicate folders.
    5. Resume syncing and check whether OneDrive completes the synchronization without errors.

    If duplicate folders continue to appear, try unlinking and reconnecting OneDrive. This can resolve some synchronization problems. To learn more, please visit: Unlink and re-link OneDrive

    As another troubleshooting step, you can reset OneDrive. A reset rebuilds its synchronization connections and starts a full sync without deleting files stored in OneDrive. Here’s a resource that provides more insight: Reset OneDrive.

    If the duplicate names include your computer name, such as Folder-PCName, the issue may be related to cached OneDrive credentials. For more information, please refer to the following link:

    I hope your issue gets resolved soon. Any updates would be greatly appreciated.

    Kind regards,

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-10T13:47:28.57+00:00

    Duplicate folders in OneDrive usually indicate a sync conflict. This commonly happens when files were changed offline, changed from multiple devices at the same time, or when rename conflicts occurred. For non-Office files, OneDrive can keep both versions and append the device name to one copy.

    Use this cleanup path to restore a single folder structure:

    1. Identify the folder version to keep
      • Open the duplicate folders and compare their contents.
      • Merge unique files into one consolidated folder.
      • If there are conflicting versions of the same file, open them in the relevant app, compare changes, and keep the correct version.
      • For Office files, conflict resolution may offer Save a Copy or Discard.
      • For non-Office files, OneDrive may keep both versions automatically.
    2. Rename duplicates temporarily while sorting
      • Rename folder or file versions so they are easy to distinguish during review.
      • After consolidation, keep the final folder and remove the extra copies.
      • To reduce future sync conflicts, rename edited files or folders to something unique before saving again.
    3. Refresh OneDrive credentials if duplicate files include the computer name
      • On Windows, select Start, type credentials, and open Credentials Manager.
      • Select Windows Credentials.
      • Under Generic Credentials, remove entries containing MicrosoftAccount and the username.
      • Restart OneDrive.
    4. Clear cached files
      • In the taskbar notification area, find the Microsoft Office Upload Center icon.
      • Right-click it and select Settings.
      • Select Delete cached files.
      • Confirm with Delete cached information.
    5. Stop and re-establish the sync connection
      • Right-click the OneDrive icon in the Windows notification area.
      • Select Stop syncing a folder...
      • Choose the affected folder and select Stop syncing.
      • Confirm with Yes.
      • Sync the library again to get a fresh local copy.
      • When OneDrive creates the new local folder, it may add a number such as 1 if the old folder name is still present.
    6. Important precaution
      • Do not rename the synced folder after sync is established. That breaks the sync relationship.
    7. If duplicates continue after reconnecting
      • Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive.
      • This does not remove files from OneDrive; files remain available online.

    If the issue is limited to files showing a constant syncing state in File Explorer, there can also be a Windows policy or search index issue. In that case, separate troubleshooting is needed.

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

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