OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Creating Duplicate Files with Numbers

Camila Milosovich Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop OneDrive from automatically generating multiple numbered copies of the same file (e.g., File 1.xlsx) due to sync issues.

How to Stop OneDrive from Creating Duplicate Numbered Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Collaborating on documents or syncing files across multiple devices, leading to synchronization conflicts.
Observed behavior: OneDrive repeatedly creates numbered duplicate files instead of updating and merging changes into the original file.

Before you start

Ensure that the affected file is completely closed on all your other devices, and verify your internet connection is stable before troubleshooting synchronization.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear OneDrive Credentials and Relink Your Account

Resetting your OneDrive connection and clearing cached credentials is the most effective way to resolve persistent sync conflicts.

When OneDrive gets stuck in a synchronization loop, it may continuously create duplicates to avoid overwriting data. Clearing the local cache and relinking the PC forces a fresh synchronization process.

Clear Windows credentials

Open the Windows Start menu, search for 'Credential Manager', and open it. Click on 'Windows Credentials', locate any entries containing 'OneDrive Cached Credential', and click 'Remove'.

Unlink this PC

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray. Click the Gear icon to open 'Settings', go to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Unlink this PC'.

Resynchronize OneDrive

Restart your computer, open OneDrive, sign back in with your Microsoft account, and follow the setup prompts to resync your folders.

Clear OneDrive Credentials and Relink Your Account

Backup Before Unlinking: Ensure that your local files are safely backed up to an external drive or separate folder before unlinking your account to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 2

Pause and Resume Synchronization

Temporarily pausing the sync process can help clear immediate network glitches and stop the active duplication loop.

Solution 3

Disable Office File Synchronization in OneDrive

Turning off the feature that lets Office applications sync files can stop conflicts between the Office Upload Center and OneDrive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Management

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create a free account to activate your built-in WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Open and sync files seamlessly: Open your existing .xlsx or .docx files in WPS Office and save them to WPS Cloud for conflict-free synchronization across all your devices.

Reliable built-in WPS Cloud syncing that minimizes file duplication issuesPerfect compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), Word, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight application that uses minimal system resourcesFamiliar tabbed interface making it easy to transition from Microsoft Office

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive append a number or my computer name to my files?

This happens when OneDrive detects a synchronization conflict. If the same file is edited on two devices simultaneously, or if the client fails to merge changes, OneDrive creates a second copy with a number (e.g., File 1.xlsx) or a computer name to ensure no data is overwritten or lost.

Can I automatically delete all the numbered duplicate files in OneDrive?

OneDrive does not include a built-in tool to automatically identify and delete duplicate files. You will need to sort your folder by name, manually verify which version contains the most recent edits, and delete the obsolete numbered copies.

Does this duplication issue only affect Excel spreadsheets?

No. Synchronization conflicts can happen with any file type stored in OneDrive, including Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and images. It is most common with Office files when multiple users or devices attempt to edit them concurrently.

Will updating my OneDrive client stop duplicate files from appearing?

Yes, in many cases. Outdated OneDrive clients can suffer from bugs that cause caching errors. Downloading the latest version from the official Microsoft website ensures you have the latest bug fixes and sync performance improvements.

Document & File Issues