What Happens When Canceling OneDrive Replace or Keep Both Prompt
Question details
The user wants to know the exact outcome of closing or canceling the 'Replace or Keep Both' conflict prompt when uploading files to OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Uploading or syncing files to a OneDrive folder where a file with the identical name already exists, triggering a conflict prompt.
- Observed behavior
- A prompt appears asking to 'Replace or Keep Both'. The user seeks to understand what happens to both the existing and new files if they click the 'X' to cancel the prompt.
Before testing file sync behaviors, ensure your recently modified local files are safely saved so you do not accidentally lose any unsynced changes during a conflict resolution process.
Understanding the Outcome of Clicking 'X' (Cancel)
Clicking the close button acts as a command to skip the upload for that specific conflicting file.
When you encounter a file conflict in OneDrive, you are presented with options to manage the duplicate file names. If you choose not to select any of the provided options and instead close the prompt, OneDrive interprets this as a cancellation of the current upload action for that specific file.
When you upload a file with an identical name and extension to an existing one in your OneDrive destination folder, the 'Replace or Keep Both' prompt will appear on your screen.
Click the 'X' icon located in the top corner of the prompt dialog. This action acts as a 'Skip' command for that individual file upload.
The existing version already stored in your OneDrive remains completely unchanged. The newer copy you attempted to upload is aborted and will not be synced to the cloud.
Choosing to Replace or Keep Both Instead
If you decide you actually want to upload the file, here is how the primary options function when clicked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover the old file if I accidentally clicked 'Replace' instead of canceling?
Yes. If you accidentally clicked 'Replace' and overwrote your file, you can easily restore it. Go to OneDrive online, right-click the overwritten file, select 'Version history', and choose to restore the previous version.
Why do I keep getting the Replace or Keep Both prompt in OneDrive?
This prompt triggers automatically whenever you attempt to upload, move, or sync a file into a OneDrive folder that already contains a file with the exact same name and file extension.
Is there a way to skip all conflicts at once in OneDrive?
No, Microsoft OneDrive does not currently feature a 'Skip All' option for the Replace or Keep Both prompt. You must handle or close the prompt individually for each conflicting file you attempt to upload.
