OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Incorrect Folder or OneDrive Label in File Explorer

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to correct a OneDrive folder in the File Explorer sidebar that displays an incorrect label or appears linked to the wrong account.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Navigating synchronized files in the File Explorer sidebar.
Observed behavior: The folder opens normally and files are accessible, but the folder displays an incorrect label or incorrect account association in the sidebar interface.

Before you start

Ensure you have your correct Microsoft account credentials ready, as you may need to sign out and sign back into the OneDrive desktop application.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Re-link Your OneDrive Account

Signing out and setting up OneDrive again can refresh the account association and fix the incorrect sidebar label in File Explorer.

Windows File Explorer can sometimes cache old account names or display incorrect folder labels if multiple accounts have been used on the same PC. Unlinking and re-linking the account forces File Explorer to refresh the directory pathways and labels.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the top right corner of the flyout, and select 'Settings'.

Unlink this PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the settings window. Click the 'Unlink this PC' link and confirm the action to sign out of your current OneDrive account.

Sign In Again

The OneDrive setup wizard will appear automatically. Enter the correct Microsoft account email and password to sign back in.

Select Correct Folder Location

During the setup process, ensure you select the correct folder location (e.g., C:\Users\User) for your synced files. Complete the setup and check File Explorer to confirm the label is updated.

Document Error Messages: If the problem remains, right-click the folder to check the exact sidebar path via Properties, and take note of any specific error messages presented by the OneDrive app.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While troubleshooting Windows File Explorer and OneDrive sync issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that saves your work locally or syncs flawlessly to your preferred cloud storage.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the 'Download WPS Office Free' button.
2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer and follow the brief on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Access Your Files: Open WPS Office to access your local files or securely connect your preferred cloud storage directly within the app.

Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that won't slow down your Windows PC.Built-in cloud integration for easy file backup and sharing without folder label glitches.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive folder show the wrong account name?

This typically happens if you previously signed in with a different Microsoft account, or if a Windows update caused a glitch in the File Explorer registry cache. Unlinking and re-linking the account usually refreshes the display name.

Will unlinking my PC delete my OneDrive files?

No, unlinking your PC from OneDrive only stops the background syncing process. Your files remain safely stored in the cloud and in your local drive folder.

How do I find the exact sidebar path of my folder?

Right-click the problematic folder in the File Explorer sidebar, select 'Properties', and look at the 'Location' field under the General tab to see the exact file path.

Document & File Issues