OneDrive File Issues

How to Merge Uploaded Folders in a Shared OneDrive Folder

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to upload a local folder structure to a shared OneDrive folder and merge it with existing folders of the same name instead of creating duplicate directories.

How to Merge Uploaded Folders in a Shared OneDrive Folder

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Uploading folders with the exact same names to an existing shared location in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Uploading directly through the OneDrive website creates duplicate folders (e.g., appended with numbers) rather than merging the contents into the existing folders.

Before you start

Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop app installed on your computer and that you are signed into the account with editing access to the shared folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the OneDrive Sync App and Windows File Explorer

By syncing the shared folder to your local PC, you can leverage native Windows folder merging capabilities to combine the folders without creating duplicates.

The OneDrive web interface treats same-name folder uploads as separate entities to prevent accidental overwriting. To properly merge folders, you must use your local operating system's file management system.

Sync the shared folder online

Open the shared OneDrive folder in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button in the top menu to download the folder structure to your local machine.

Locate the synchronized folder

Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your locally synced OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.

Copy and paste the new structure

Copy your new local folder structure and paste it directly into the synced OneDrive folder. Windows will automatically detect folders with matching names and merge their contents.

Wait for synchronization to complete

Leave your computer connected to the internet and wait for the OneDrive app to upload the new files. Verify that the sync status icon turns into a solid green checkmark before checking the web interface.

Use the OneDrive Sync App and Windows File Explorer

Seamless Folder Merging: Using this local method ensures that only new or modified files are uploaded while retaining the original folder hierarchy.

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Manage and Edit Your Synced Files with WPS Office

After organizing your OneDrive folders, use WPS Office to edit your documents. It seamlessly opens files directly from your local OneDrive folder and provides a lightweight, completely free alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the quick installation prompt.
2. Access your OneDrive folder: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your locally synced OneDrive directory.
3. Edit with perfect compatibility: Open any existing Office document to edit, save, and have it automatically sync back to OneDrive.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Open and edit files directly from your synced local OneDrive foldersLightweight application that runs smoothly on any Windows PCFamiliar tabbed interface for effortless multitasking

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the OneDrive website create duplicate folders?

The OneDrive web interface is designed to protect your existing data. When you upload a folder with the same name, it creates a duplicate (often with a number appended) to prevent accidentally overwriting files in the cloud.

Can I merge OneDrive folders on a Mac using the sync app?

Yes. If you sync the OneDrive folder to your Mac, copying a new folder into the synced directory will prompt macOS Finder to ask if you want to 'Merge' or 'Replace' the existing folder with the same name.

How do I know when my merged folders have finished uploading to OneDrive?

Check the status icons in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder. A blue circular arrow indicates files are still syncing, while a solid green checkmark means all files inside the merged folder have successfully uploaded to the cloud.

Document & File Issues