How To Create Duplicate Files And Folders In OneDrive On Windows?

To prevent duplicate files and folders from being created within OneDrive on Windows, follow these steps based on the provided sources:

1. Check Synchronization Settings: Ensure that your OneDrive synchronization settings are set appropriately. For instance, if you only want files synced to OneDrive and not stored locally, enable Files On-Demand rather than full file synchronization. Adjust these settings according to your needs.

   Steps:

   • Open OneDrive app.
   • Click on the gear icon (Settings).
   • Navigate to the 'Account' section.
   • Choose 'Office 365' and ensure Files On-Demand is enabled.

2. Clear Cache: Sometimes, duplicate files occur due to caching issues. Try clearing the OneDrive cache:

   Steps:

   • Press Win + R to open Run.
   • Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\OneDrive\Temp and hit Enter.
   • Delete everything inside the Temp directory.
   • Restart OneDrive.

3. Refresh Credentials: If you notice duplicate files with your computer name added to their filenames, refreshing your credentials might solve the issue:

   Windows Steps:

   • Search for "Credentials" in the Start Menu.
   • Select "Credential Manager."
   • Go to the "Windows Credentials" tab.
   • Look for any entry containing "OneDrive Cached Credentials" and delete it.
   • Restart OneDrive.

   macOS Steps:

   • Use Spotlight search to locate "Keychain Access."
   • Search for "OneDrive."
   • Remove "OneDrive Cached Credential" items.
   • Launch OneDrive.

4. Uninstall & Reinstall OneDrive: As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling OneDrive. Remember, this action will not affect your files; you can always access them through OneDrive.com.

   Uninstallation Steps:

   • Right-click the Start button and choose "Apps and Features."
   • Find "Microsoft OneDrive" in the list and click "Uninstall."
   • Follow prompts to complete the removal.

   Reinstallation Steps:

   • Visit https://aka.ms/getOD to download and install the latest version of OneDrive.

Please note that while these steps aim to prevent duplicate files and folders, they might not apply universally as the causes of duplication can vary. If persistent problems remain, contact Microsoft Support for further guidance.