OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Unknown OneDrive Files and Folders That Cannot Be Opened

Amos Gikunda Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to identify and remove unexpected, randomly named folders and files that appear after syncing and cannot be opened.

How to Fix Unknown OneDrive Files and Folders That Cannot Be Opened

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing data using the OneDrive desktop client or web application.
Observed behavior: Unexpected files and folders with random names appear, cannot be opened, and OneDrive repeatedly requests their deletion. The issue persists despite sync attempts.

Before you start

Before proceeding, temporarily pause your OneDrive synchronization to prevent any potential malware or corrupted files from spreading to other connected devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Scan for Malware and Verify Application Access

Identify and eliminate potential security threats or third-party apps generating random files in your synced directory.

Randomly named files can often be the result of a malware infection or an aggressive third-party application improperly writing temporary data to your synced folders.

Run a Full System Scan

Open your computer's built-in antivirus (such as Windows Security) or your preferred third-party antivirus software. Navigate to the scan options and select 'Full Scan' to thoroughly check your system for malware or ransomware.

Check File Properties

Right-click on one of the unknown files in your OneDrive folder and select 'Properties'. Check the 'Details' tab to view creation dates, modification times, and any application associations.

Review Recent Applications

Open your system's Control Panel or Settings app, go to 'Installed Apps', and review any newly installed applications or browser extensions. Uninstall any suspicious or unrecognized programs that might have access to your directories.

Scan for Malware and Verify Application Access

Prevention: Keeping your antivirus definitions up to date prevents unauthorized software from writing to your cloud-synced folders.

Solution 2

Restore OneDrive to a Previous Date

Use Microsoft's built-in feature to roll back your entire OneDrive to a state before the unknown files started appearing.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support for Log Analysis

Get direct assistance from Microsoft to investigate persistent synchronization anomalies using backend logs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Secure and Reliable Document Management

If you are tired of complex cloud synchronization errors with Microsoft Office and OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that allows you to manage your local and cloud documents seamlessly without dealing with unexpected sync issues.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open and Manage Files: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and safely save your existing Microsoft Office documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation with a familiar, tabbed user interface.Stable document management avoiding common third-party sync conflicts.Free to download and use for your essential daily productivity tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep asking me to delete these unknown files?

OneDrive may repeatedly request deletion if it detects ongoing sync conflicts, corrupted data loops, or if an external application is continuously trying to modify or replace these phantom files during the background synchronization process.

Can syncing errors cause folders to have random names?

Yes. If a synchronization process is interrupted, crashes, or fails to complete, temporary files that are usually hidden and randomly named may become permanently visible and stuck in your OneDrive directory.

Are randomly named files in OneDrive always a sign of a virus?

Not always. While malware or ransomware is a common culprit for randomly named files, this issue can also be caused by temporary caching files generated by legitimate software or severe sync conflicts between multiple devices logged into the same account.

How do I safely delete these files if they refuse to be deleted locally?

You can try pausing your OneDrive sync and restarting your computer in Safe Mode to delete the files locally from File Explorer. Alternatively, you can log into the OneDrive web interface and delete the files directly from the cloud server.

Document & File Issues