OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Duplicate SharePoint Sync Folders in OneDrive

Nimra Malik Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are encountering duplicate SharePoint sync folders in their local directory after stopping and restarting synchronization.

How to Fix Duplicate SharePoint Sync Folders in OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing SharePoint document libraries to a local device via the Microsoft OneDrive client.
Observed behavior: When restarting sync and declining to use the existing folder, duplicate local folders named with numbers (e.g., Sync Folder (1)) are created. Resetting OneDrive does not resolve the issue, and it affects multiple users.

Before you start

Verify that your files are fully uploaded and accessible on the SharePoint web interface before you begin deleting any local folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Synchronization and Manually Delete Unlinked Folders

This is the primary workaround to clear out the duplicate folders locally without affecting the files hosted on SharePoint.

By completely stopping the synchronization for the affected folder, you sever the link to the cloud. Once the connection is closed, the local duplicates become standard folders that can be safely deleted.

Stop syncing the SharePoint folder

Click the OneDrive icon in your taskbar, go to Settings (gear icon), select the 'Account' tab, find the problematic SharePoint sync location, and click 'Stop sync'.

Verify disconnection

Wait a few moments and navigate to the folder in File Explorer or Finder. Confirm that the OneDrive cloud or checkmark status icons have completely disappeared next to the folder name.

Delete the duplicate folders

Select the duplicate folders (e.g., Sync Folder (1), Sync Folder (2)) that are no longer linked to SharePoint, and delete them manually from your local drive.

Restart synchronization

Go back to the SharePoint web interface, navigate to your document library, and click the 'Sync' button to establish a fresh connection to the correct local directory.

Stop Synchronization and Manually Delete Unlinked Folders

Test on Multiple Devices: Try syncing the SharePoint library on a different computer. If the duplication does not occur, the issue is strictly related to the local cache of the original device.

Solution 2

Submit a Support Ticket in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Use this solution if the workaround fails and the issue impacts multiple users across your organization, pointing to a backend environment issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Hassle-Free Office Suite? Try WPS Office

If persistent Microsoft Office and OneDrive sync issues are slowing down your team's workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and managing your documents without complex sync errors.

Free and lightweight office suite with an intuitive, familiar interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in robust cloud storage for seamless and conflict-free document syncing.Supports real-time collaborative editing without generating duplicate file versions.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive create folders with numbers like (1) or (2)?

This occurs when OneDrive detects an existing local folder with the exact same name during the sync setup process. If you decline to merge the locations, OneDrive automatically creates a new folder with a numerical suffix to prevent overriding or deleting your existing local files.

Does resetting the OneDrive application delete my files?

No, resetting the OneDrive client only clears the application's synchronization cache and restarts the app. Your files safely remain in the cloud and on your local drive, though you may need to reconfigure your sync settings.

How can I tell if a SharePoint folder is safe to delete from my computer?

A local SharePoint folder is safe to delete when it no longer displays the OneDrive sync status icons (such as a blue cloud, green checkmark, or syncing arrows) next to the file or folder name in File Explorer or Finder. This indicates the folder is successfully unlinked from the cloud.

Document & File Issues