OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove Duplicate OneDrive Entries in Windows File Explorer

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where two identical OneDrive entries appear in the Windows File Explorer navigation pane, both pointing to the same personal account.

Product: Windows OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Navigating and managing files locally through Windows File Explorer with OneDrive syncing enabled.
Observed behavior: Two duplicate OneDrive entries are displayed in File Explorer. They synchronize identical changes, and unlinking then relinking the account causes both duplicate entries to reappear.

Before you start

Before modifying the Windows Registry, carefully back up your registry settings, as deleting the wrong system key can cause permanent OS damage and boot issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete the Duplicate NameSpace Registry Key

Use the Windows Registry Editor to identify and delete the specific namespace entry responsible for forcing the second OneDrive folder to appear in File Explorer.

Windows File Explorer populates its sidebar using specific registry keys called NameSpaces. A duplicate OneDrive entry is usually caused by a leftover registry key from an update or an old installation. Removing this specific key will remove the visual duplicate without affecting your actual synced files.

Open the Registry Editor

Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type 'regedit' into the text box and press Enter or click OK.

Navigate to the Desktop NameSpace Directory

In the Registry Editor's address bar, paste or manually navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

Locate and Delete the Target Key

Look for a folder named exactly '{04271989-C4D2-D678-C596-AE7D03458BA4}'. Right-click on this folder and select 'Delete' from the context menu.

Restart File Explorer

Close the Registry Editor. To see the changes, either restart your computer or open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find 'Windows Explorer', right-click it, and select 'Restart'.

Registry Backup Guide: If you are unsure how to back up your registry before performing these steps, consult the official Microsoft Support guidelines on backing up and restoring the registry in Windows.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneDrive create a duplicate folder in File Explorer?

This issue typically occurs due to a glitch during a Windows update, a conflict between different versions of the OneDrive client, or when an account is unlinked and relinked improperly, leaving orphaned registry keys.

Will deleting this registry key erase my OneDrive files?

No, deleting the NameSpace registry key only removes the visual folder shortcut from the File Explorer navigation pane. Your local files and cloud data remain completely safe and untouched.

What if deleting the key doesn't remove the duplicate?

If the duplicate persists, check the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE' path for the same NameSpace directory, or try resetting the OneDrive client entirely by running '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' in the Run dialog.

How do I fix duplicated individual files inside my OneDrive folder?

If individual files are duplicating (often with your computer's name appended to the filename), this is a sync conflict, not a registry issue. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and avoid editing the same document simultaneously on multiple devices.

Document & File Issues