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How to Fix Duplicate OneDrive Personal Folders in Windows File Explorer
Question details
The user is trying to remove a duplicate OneDrive Personal folder from Windows File Explorer where registry fixes revert after every reboot.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Organizing the File Explorer navigation pane and attempting to permanently remove an identical, redundant OneDrive Personal folder shortcut.
- Observed behavior
- Two 'OneDrive Personal' folders are displayed in the Windows File Explorer navigation pane. Manual registry edits to remove the duplicate folder are overwritten and undone automatically every time the computer restarts.
Before editing the Windows Registry or changing startup configurations, ensure you have backed up your important data and created a Windows System Restore point.
Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Interference
Use this solution to determine if a third-party application, scheduled task, or startup script is automatically restoring the registry keys that cause the duplicate folder.
When manual registry edits are reverted upon restarting, it usually indicates that another program or script is forcing the system to restore default OneDrive configurations. A Clean Boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'msconfig' and press Enter to launch the System Configuration utility.
Navigate to the 'Services' tab. Check the box at the bottom that says 'Hide all Microsoft services', then click the 'Disable all' button to turn off third-party background services.
Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'. In Task Manager, right-click each enabled startup item and select 'Disable'.
Close Task Manager, click 'OK' on the System Configuration window, and restart your computer. Check File Explorer to see if the duplicate OneDrive folder has returned.
Check OneDrive Version and Update
Outdated versions of the OneDrive desktop client can contain bugs that cause display glitches in File Explorer. Verifying and updating your version can resolve these conflicts.
Test with a New Local Windows Account
A corrupted Windows user profile can cause registry modifications to fail or reset. Creating a new local account helps determine if the issue is tied to your specific user profile.
Simplify Your File Management with WPS Office
If persistent Microsoft OneDrive and Windows Explorer glitches are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, unified desktop experience that integrates flawlessly with your local and cloud files without requiring heavy system registry changes.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software on your Windows PC.
- 3. Access Cloud Files: Sign in to your WPS account to access WPS Cloud, or seamlessly open your existing local Microsoft Office documents directly from File Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep creating a duplicate Personal folder?
Duplicate folders in File Explorer typically occur due to overlapping registry keys, a corrupted Windows user profile, or third-party backup software conflicting with Windows system settings and restoring old registry values.
Is it safe to delete the duplicate OneDrive folder directly?
No, deleting the duplicate folder directly from File Explorer may result in the deletion of your actual files synced to the cloud. It is safer to hide the folder by modifying the Windows Registry or fixing the synchronization issue.
How do I back up my registry before fixing the OneDrive folder?
Press Win + R, type 'regedit', and press Enter. In the Registry Editor, click 'File' > 'Export', choose a safe location, select 'All' under the Export range, and click Save. This allows you to restore the registry if anything goes wrong.
