OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Creating Multiple Copies of Files

Khadija Khan Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users notice that synchronized OneDrive and SharePoint folders contain dozens of duplicate files, with employee computer names appended to the file names.

Why Is OneDrive Creating Multiple Copies of Files?

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing and collaborating on files across multiple devices using OneDrive or SharePoint.
Observed behavior: Duplicate files are automatically generated with identical modification dates and computer names appended to their titles, even if the device history does not match.

Before you start

Before proceeding, pause your OneDrive synchronization temporarily to prevent it from generating more duplicate files while you troubleshoot.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Stale OneDrive Credentials

Outdated or corrupted Windows credentials can cause authentication glitches, resulting in synchronization conflicts.

When OneDrive fails to authenticate properly in the background, it may fail to merge changes and instead save copies of files with your computer's name appended to prevent data loss.

Open Credential Manager

Press the Windows key, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and press Enter.

Access Windows Credentials

Click on the 'Windows Credentials' tab to view your saved passwords and authentication tokens.

Remove OneDrive Credentials

Scroll down to 'Generic Credentials', locate any entries containing 'OneDrive' or 'MicrosoftOffice', click on them, and select 'Remove'.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer, launch OneDrive, and sign back into your account to establish a fresh connection.

Administrative Rights: If you are using a managed company device, you might need your IT administrator's permission to modify system credentials.

Solution 2

Disable Office File Synchronization in OneDrive

Turning off the setting that uses Office applications to sync files can resolve conflicts between the Office Upload Center and OneDrive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Conflict-Free File Management

If OneDrive synchronization conflicts and duplicate files disrupt your workflow, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own robust WPS Cloud for reliable, duplicate-free document storage and collaboration.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick installation prompts, then launch the application.
3. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in with your email or social account to activate your free WPS Cloud storage for reliable file syncing.

Seamlessly manage and sync files without the typical OneDrive duplication issuesHighly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight design that runs smoothly on almost any deviceFamiliar user interface makes it incredibly easy to learn and use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive add my computer name to file names?

OneDrive appends your computer's name when it detects a sync conflict. This usually occurs when a file is edited simultaneously on multiple devices, or if an offline edit cannot be merged smoothly with the server version. It creates a copy to ensure no data is overwritten.

Can I automatically delete these duplicate files with computer names?

No, OneDrive does not have a built-in feature to automatically delete sync conflict files. You must manually review the files, determine which version contains your most recent work, and delete the unwanted duplicates.

How can I prevent SharePoint duplicate files when collaborating?

To minimize SharePoint conflicts, ensure all users are connected to a stable internet network. Encourage your team to use real-time co-authoring within the web or desktop apps rather than editing files offline and syncing them later.

Does reinstalling OneDrive fix synchronization conflicts?

Reinstalling the OneDrive application can fix deeper software corruption causing sync errors, but clearing stale credentials and updating your Office sync settings are generally faster and more effective first steps.

Document & File Issues