OneDrive File Issues

How to Move OneDrive Files to a New PC and Avoid Duplicates

WPS Editor Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to transfer OneDrive files and local app data to a new computer without duplicating files caused by folder aliases in File Explorer.

How to Move OneDrive Files to a New PC and Prevent Duplicates

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Migrating data and cloud storage settings to a new PC.
Observed behavior: Multiple OneDrive locations appear in File Explorer, causing confusion over which folders represent the actual files and how to properly migrate them.

Before you start

Before migrating to your new PC, ensure your current PC is fully connected to the internet and that the OneDrive client says 'Up to date' so all recent changes are synced to the cloud.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Folder Paths and Sync Cloud Files to the New PC

Identify the true location of your OneDrive folders to avoid copying shortcuts, then sync them natively using the OneDrive app on your new computer.

Multiple OneDrive folders in your File Explorer are often just visual shortcuts to the exact same directory. Manually copying all these locations can result in duplicated files, wasted storage, or a corrupted sync state.

Check the actual folder path

On your old PC, right-click the OneDrive folder in File Explorer and select 'Properties'. Under the General tab, look at the 'Location' to verify its true path (usually C:\Users\[Username]\OneDrive).

Set up OneDrive on the new PC

Turn on your new PC, open the OneDrive application, and sign in using the exact same Microsoft account credentials used on the old computer.

Choose the local sync folder

Follow the on-screen setup prompts to choose your local OneDrive folder location. Complete the setup to allow OneDrive to automatically download and synchronize your cloud files.

Verify Folder Paths and Sync Cloud Files to the New PC

Avoid Manual Copying: Do not manually copy apparent OneDrive locations to an external drive as an independent backup; rely completely on the cloud synchronization for these specific files.

Solution 2

Manually Back Up Outlook PST and Isolated Local Data

OneDrive does not automatically back up certain local application files like Outlook PST data, which must be located and moved separately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see multiple OneDrive folders in File Explorer?

Windows often creates quick-access aliases or shortcuts in the File Explorer navigation pane for convenience. Checking the folder properties will reveal they actually point to the exact same directory on your hard drive.

Will I lose my files if I just sign into OneDrive on a new PC?

No, as long as your files were completely synced to the cloud on your old PC, signing in on the new PC will simply download them or display placeholders for all your files automatically.

Are my Outlook emails automatically backed up to OneDrive?

Generally, no. Local Outlook data files (.pst) are isolated and often stored in the AppData or Documents folders. They usually need to be backed up and moved to your new PC manually using an external drive.

Document & File Issues