How to Fix Duplicate OneDrive Folders in File Explorer on Windows 10/11
If you notice duplicate OneDrive folders appearing in the File Explorer pane on Windows 10 or 11, this guide will help you resolve the issue effectively. Recently, I encountered this problem on a client's computer where the OneDrive folder shortcut appeared twice in the Windows 11 File Explorer sidebar, with both folders displaying identical contents. After successfully addressing the issue, I decided to document the solution to assist others facing the same problem.
How to Remove Duplicate OneDrive Folder in Windows 11/10
If the OneDrive folder appears twice in Windows 10/11 File Explorer, follow the methods below to fix the problem:
Attention: If you are using OneDrive with both a personal and a work account, it is normal to see two instances of OneDrive in File Explorer. The first OneDrive folder shows your personal files, while the second displays your work account files. In such cases, no action is required.
Method 1. Remove Duplicate OneDrive Startup Entries
The first step in resolving duplicate OneDrive folders is to ensure that the OneDrive application is configured to run only once at Windows startup. This method involves managing startup entries to prevent multiple instances from launching.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and check for two OneDrive entries. If found, select one and click Disable. This action prevents duplicate OneDrive processes from starting, which can cause redundant folder appearances.
- Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
Method 2. Reset OneDrive
Resetting the OneDrive application can restore its default settings, potentially resolving configuration issues that cause duplicate folder appearances.
- Close File Explorer to ensure no OneDrive processes are active.
- Press Windows
+ R keys to open the Run command box. - In the "Open" box, type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetand click OK. This command reinitializes OneDrive, clearing any cached settings that might lead to duplication. - If you receive an error message stating "Windows cannot find…", use the alternative command:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset. - Wait 20-30 seconds for the reset process to complete, then open File Explorer to verify if the issue is resolved.
Method 3. Remove and Reinstall OneDrive
If the above methods do not resolve the issue, uninstalling and reinstalling OneDrive can help eliminate any corrupted files or settings causing duplication.
Step 1. Uninstall OneDrive
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command box.
- Type
control appwiz.cpland click OK to open the Programs and Features window. - Select the OneDrive application and click Uninstall. This action removes the OneDrive application and its associated settings from your system.
- Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your PC.
Step 2. Download and Re-Install OneDrive from Microsoft
- Download the latest version of OneDrive from the official Microsoft website.
- Open the downloaded file (
OneDriveSetup.exe) to reinstall the OneDrive application on your computer. - Sign in to your account and start syncing to restore your OneDrive functionality.
Method 4. Fix Duplicate OneDrive Folders in Registry (FIX-1)
CAUTION: Modifying the Windows Registry can lead to serious issues if done incorrectly. It is recommended to back up your Windows registry before proceeding.
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command box.
- Type
regeditand click OK to open the Registry Editor. - Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}. - In the right pane, double-click on the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree REG_DWORD value and change the value data from 1 to 0. This action removes the OneDrive entry from the File Explorer sidebar.
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes and verify if the issue is resolved.
Method 5. Fix Duplicate OneDrive Folders in Registry (FIX-2)
CAUTION: As with the previous method, modifying the registry can lead to serious issues if not done correctly. Ensure you have a backup of your Windows registry.
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace. - Under the "NameSpace" key, check for two keys with OneDrive in their Data on the right pane.
- If two keys are found, retain the
{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}key and right-click to Delete the second key. This action removes the redundant OneDrive entry.
TIP: Use Group Policy Editor to Enable or Disable OneDrive.
If you are using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can use the Group Policy Editor to manage OneDrive settings:
- Press Windows + R keys, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive. - Double-click on Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage and set it to Enabled to disable OneDrive, or Not Configured to enable it.
- Click OK and restart your computer.
Summary
In summary, resolving duplicate OneDrive folders in File Explorer involves several methods, including managing startup entries, resetting OneDrive, reinstalling the application, and editing the Windows Registry. Each method addresses potential causes of duplication, from configuration errors to registry inconsistencies. By following these steps, you can ensure a streamlined and error-free OneDrive experience on your Windows 10/11 system.
Which method worked for you? Please leave a comment in the comment section below or share this guide on social networks to help others facing the same issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see duplicate OneDrive folders in Windows 11 File Explorer?
If you see duplicate OneDrive folders, ensure you're not using both a personal and work account. If you are, seeing two instances is normal. If not, try the methods outlined: remove duplicate startup entries, reset OneDrive, or uninstall and reinstall OneDrive.
How can I stop OneDrive from opening twice at startup?
To prevent OneDrive from opening twice at startup, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del. Go to 'Startup apps' and disable one of the two OneDrive entries if they exist. Then, restart your PC to check if the issue is resolved.
What are the steps to reset the OneDrive app in Windows 11?
To reset OneDrive, close File Explorer and press Windows + R. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' in the run command box and click OK. Wait about 20-30 seconds for the reset to complete, then reopen File Explorer to see if the issue is resolved.
What precautions should I take before modifying the Windows Registry to fix OneDrive folder issues?
Before modifying the Windows Registry, it is crucial to back up your registry to prevent serious problems. This ensures you can restore it if anything goes wrong during the process.
