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How to Fix “OneDrive Creating Duplicate Folders/Files” issue: OneDrive, the cloud storage service offered by Microsoft, provides a convenient method of synchronizing files across multiple devices. On the other hand, users might experience a frustrating issue in which duplicate folders or files suddenly appear without warning. In order to effectively resolve this issue, this guide provides a step-by-step rundown of potential solutions.
The tool that is now known as Microsoft OneDrive is not always as convenient, lightweight, and helpful as it is today. In previous versions of OneDrive, the interface was prone to bugs, it was slow, and it was frequently a source of frustration. Getting used to having older versions of OneDrive pre-installed and running continuously was also a challenge for those who used those versions. OneDrive has finally become a useful component for Windows 11/10 and a variety of other devices.
This is due to the fact that computers are significantly faster than they were in the past, and Internet connections have significantly improved upload speeds. You have arrived at the right location if you discover that OneDrive is generating folders and files and you want to put a stop to this process. This article will provide you with five different ways to learn how to Fix “OneDrive Creating Duplicate Folders/Files” issue.
Causes of the “OneDrive Creating Duplicate Folders/Files” issue
- Syncing Errors: OneDrive may encounter errors during the syncing process, leading to the creation of duplicate folders or files.
- Conflicting Changes: When multiple users edit or save changes to the same file simultaneously, conflicts may arise, resulting in the creation of duplicates.
- File System Corruption: Issues within the file system, such as corruption or errors, can trigger OneDrive to create duplicate folders or files.
- Syncing Settings: Incorrect or misconfigured syncing settings in OneDrive may contribute to the duplication of folders or files.
- Network Interruptions: Disruptions in the network connection while syncing files with OneDrive can cause synchronization problems and lead to duplicates.
- Software Glitches: Bugs or glitches within the OneDrive application or associated software can result in the creation of duplicate items.
- User Error: Accidental actions by users, such as unintentionally dragging and dropping folders or files into synced locations, can cause duplicates to be created.
How to Fix “OneDrive Creating Duplicate Folders/Files” issue
Identify Duplicate Files/Folders
- Open your OneDrive folder on your computer.
- Look for any duplicate folders or files.
- Pay attention to filenames, creation dates, and file sizes to distinguish duplicates.
Check Sync Settings
- Open OneDrive settings on your computer.
- Ensure that your sync settings are configured correctly.
- Verify if “Files on demand” is enabled to prevent unnecessary syncing.
Use OneDrive Web Interface
- Access OneDrive through aweb browser.
- Navigate to the folder where duplicates are present.
- Delete duplicate files/folders directly from the web interface.
Resolve File/Folder Naming Conflicts
- If OneDrive creates duplicates due to naming conflicts, resolve them.
- Rename files/folders with unique names to avoid conflicts.
- Ensure filenames adhere to OneDrive’s naming conventions.
Check File/Folder Permissions
- Review file/folder permissions in OneDrive.
- Ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify/delete files.
- Adjust permissions if needed to avoid duplication issues.
Rebuild OneDrive Cache
- Close OneDrive on your computer.
- Clear OneDrive cache by deleting the contents of the “OneDrive” folder under AppData.
- Restart OneDrive to rebuild the cache.
Reset OneDrive
- If all else fails, reset OneDrive.
- Open OneDrive settings and find the option to reset.
- Follow the prompts to reset OneDrive, which may resolve syncing issues.
Contact OneDrive Support
- If the issue persists, reach out to OneDrive support.
- Provide detailed information about the problem.
- They may offer further assistance or troubleshooting steps.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s OneDrive is a storage platform that is based on the internet and is utilised by businesses. It was initially introduced in 2007. In spite of the fact that it is included in the Office 365 subscription, many people use it for their own accounts because it enables them to store a wide variety of files. On the other hand, Microsoft OneDrive makes it simple to synchronise data, which enables you to access it from a variety of devices.
Questions and Answers
The most common cause of OneDrive creating duplicate files is when files are updated by multiple people with participating permissions in different locations, which results in conflicts. This is the most common cause of created duplicate files. It is not possible for OneDrive to merge multiple versions of a file on its own, which makes it possible for duplicate files to be created.
It is possible for One Drive to automatically include your Desktop folder, My Documents folder, and Pictures folder in the sync process. You can prevent them from syncing by right-clicking the OneDrive icon that is located in the taskbar and selecting the settings option. After that, navigate to the “Sync and backup” settings and select the “manage backup” option. From there, you can disable any or all of the backups.
The errors that occur as a result of double recording are referred to as duplication errors. The term “errors of duplication” refers to situations in which a transaction, such as the sale of goods to John, is incorrectly recorded in the sales book twice or more, or when the details of the transaction are incorrectly posted twice or more in John’s account.