OneDrive File Issues

How to Merge OneDrive Files and Prevent Duplicate Copies

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent OneDrive from creating thousands of duplicate files appended with '-copy' after unlinking and relinking their computer.

How to Merge OneDrive Files and Prevent Duplicate Copies

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Re-establishing a cloud connection by relinking a computer to OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneDrive reports a synchronization conflict and threatens to duplicate thousands of files by adding '-copy' or the computer's name to the original file names.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure all your Office applications are closed and verify that your computer has a stable internet connection to allow OneDrive settings to update properly.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable the Office File Merge Feature in OneDrive

Configure OneDrive's settings to let you choose to merge changes rather than automatically creating duplicate copies when sync conflicts occur.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray (taskbar), click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to the Office Tab

In the Settings dialog box, click on the 'Office' tab at the top of the window.

Enable Merge Changes

Locate the 'Sync conflicts' section, check the required box, and select the option that says 'Let me choose to merge changes or keep both copies'.

Save Settings

Click 'OK' to apply your new settings. OneDrive will now prompt you to merge files during a conflict instead of automatically creating '-copy' duplicates.

Enable the Office File Merge Feature in OneDrive

Sync Conflict Prompt Enabled: The next time a file conflict arises, Office will actively ask if you want to merge the changes, keeping your folders free of unwanted duplicates.

Solution 2

Clear OneDrive Cached Credentials

If the duplicate file names include your computer's name instead of just '-copy', clearing old cached credentials can fix the underlying authentication mismatch.

Solution 3

Reinstall the OneDrive Client

If tweaking settings and credentials does not resolve the synchronization conflict, reinstalling the OneDrive application can establish a fresh connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive add '-copy' to my files?

When OneDrive detects that a file has been changed on both your local computer and the cloud simultaneously, it prevents accidental data loss by creating a second file. It appends '-copy' or your computer's name to the filename to preserve both versions during a synchronization conflict.

Will reinstalling OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No. Uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive desktop app only removes the synchronization client itself. Your local files in the OneDrive folder, as well as the files stored securely in the cloud, will remain intact and unharmed.

How do I fix duplicate files that have my computer's name in them?

If the duplicate files feature your computer's name in the title, it usually indicates a local authentication mismatch. You can fix this by opening the Windows Credential Manager, deleting the 'OneDrive Cached Credential' entries, and restarting the OneDrive application.

Document & File Issues