OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Sync Errors with Duplicate File Names

Khadija Khan Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter synchronization errors in SharePoint or OneDrive when attempting to sync folders that contain items with identical names or conflicting file paths, halting the sync process.

How to Sync SharePoint Folders with Duplicate File Names

Product: SharePoint / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on shared documents or organizing project files across multiple SharePoint folders using the desktop sync client.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive desktop application displays an error regarding duplicate files, preventing folders with identical names from syncing properly across devices.

Before you start

Verify that you are using the latest version of the OneDrive desktop app and that you have a stable internet connection before attempting to resolve synchronization conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify and Rename Conflicting Files or Folders

The most effective way to resolve duplicate file errors is to locate the exact path causing the conflict and assign unique names to the affected folders.

SharePoint and OneDrive rely on distinct folder paths to manage data. When customer or project contents are placed into folders with identical names within the same directory level, the sync client cannot distinguish between them, resulting in a conflict.

Open OneDrive Desktop App

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) to open the activity center.

Review the Error Message

Look for the specific synchronization error message and click on it. Take note of the exact folder path or file name that is causing the duplication conflict.

Rename the Affected Items

Navigate to the identified folder using File Explorer or Finder. Right-click the conflicting folder or file, select 'Rename', and give it a unique name (e.g., append a project number or date).

Restart Synchronization

Once uniquely named, the OneDrive app will automatically detect the changes and resume syncing. Check the cloud icon to confirm it displays a 'Up to date' status.

Identify and Rename Conflicting Files or Folders

Provide Error Screenshots to IT: If you are working in a corporate environment and the issue persists, taking a screenshot of the full error message can help your IT admin identify backend path conflicts faster.

Solution 2

Pause and Resume OneDrive Sync

Use this solution to force the OneDrive desktop application to perform a fresh scan of your local files after resolving naming conflicts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint report a duplicate file error when the folder is empty?

This can happen if a file or folder with the same name was recently deleted but remains in the SharePoint recycle bin, or if someone else in your organization created a folder with an identical name in the cloud while your desktop client was offline.

Can I sync two folders with the exact same name in OneDrive?

No, OneDrive and SharePoint require unique file paths. If two folders have the exact same name and are located within the same parent directory, the system cannot sync them as it creates a path conflict. You must rename one of them.

Will pausing and restarting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, pausing and resuming synchronization only stops the communication between your computer and the cloud server temporarily. It does not delete any files stored locally on your hard drive or in your cloud storage.

Document & File Issues