OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop Sync Moving Files to a New Folder

Steve K Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience issues where OneDrive's Known Folder Move feature redirects Desktop files to unexpected new folders, creates duplicates, or triggers error 0x80070002.

How to Fix OneDrive Desktop Sync Moving Files to a New Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Enabling or troubleshooting Desktop backup in OneDrive settings.
Observed behavior: OneDrive creates unexpected duplicate Desktop folders, fails to back up properly, or displays error 0x80070002 when attempting to configure folder sync.

Before you start

Before modifying OneDrive settings or resetting the application, ensure you manually copy any critical files from your Desktop to an external drive or a separate local folder to prevent accidental data loss during the sync refresh.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Re-link Your OneDrive Account

This refreshes the connection between your PC and the cloud, which often resolves Known Folder Move conflicts and clears unstable sync profiles.

Unlinking your account will not result in data loss. Your local files and cloud files remain intact. This process simply severs the current faulty connection so a clean sync profile can be established.

Open OneDrive settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area, select the gear icon (Help & Settings), and click 'Settings'.

Unlink this PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on the 'Unlink this PC' link. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Sign back in

The OneDrive setup wizard will appear. Enter your Microsoft account credentials and follow the prompts to re-establish your sync connection.

Reconfigure backup

Once signed in, go back to Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup, and re-enable your Desktop sync.

Unlink and Re-link Your OneDrive Account

Tip: Make sure to review the default folder location during setup to ensure it is not nested inside an incorrect directory.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting OneDrive clears its local configuration data and forces a complete sync check, which can resolve persistent errors like 0x80070002.

Solution 3

Fix Duplicate Desktop Folders Manually

If OneDrive created a duplicate Desktop folder during a failed backup, you will need to manually resolve the path conflict before sync can work properly.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Cloud Sync with WPS Office

If you frequently encounter synchronization errors or complex folder conflicts with Microsoft OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fully compatible Office suite equipped with reliable built-in cloud storage for effortless file management.

1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the lightweight installation process.
2. Sign in for cloud access: Create a free account or log in to instantly unlock WPS Cloud storage and document syncing features.
3. Manage files seamlessly: Open your Microsoft Office files directly in WPS and let the built-in cloud handle synchronization without folder path errors.

Built-in WPS Cloud for stable, real-time file synchronizationFully compatible with all Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)Lightweight installation that doesn't bog down system performanceIntuitive, tabbed interface that makes organizing files incredibly easy

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OneDrive Known Folder Move (KFM)?

Known Folder Move (KFM) is a feature in OneDrive that redirects standard user profile folders, such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, into the OneDrive sync folder so they are automatically backed up to the cloud.

Why am I seeing error 0x80070002 in OneDrive?

Error 0x80070002 typically means 'File Not Found'. In the context of OneDrive Desktop sync, it usually indicates a missing or corrupted file path, often caused by the creation of duplicate Desktop folders or a damaged OneDrive profile.

Will unlinking OneDrive delete my files?

No, unlinking your PC simply stops the synchronization process between your local computer and the cloud. Both your local files and the files stored in your online OneDrive account remain completely intact.

Why is there a duplicate Desktop folder in my user directory?

A duplicate folder can occur if OneDrive encounters a synchronization conflict or permission issue during the backup process, causing it to create a secondary folder rather than merging files. Manually moving the files and deleting the duplicate usually resolves this.

Document & File Issues