Why the Documents Folder Appears in Both This PC and OneDrive
Question details
The user wants to understand why the Documents folder is displayed in two different locations within File Explorer and whether this configuration means their files are taking up double the storage space.
- Product
- Windows / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a new laptop and organizing personal files in File Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- The Documents folder is visibly listed under both 'This PC' and the 'OneDrive' directory, causing confusion about potential file duplication.
Verify whether the OneDrive desktop application is currently running and signed into your Microsoft account by checking the system tray in your Windows taskbar.
Check OneDrive PC Folder Backup Settings
Confirm if the PC Folder Backup feature is enabled, which links your local Documents folder directly to your OneDrive cloud storage.
When OneDrive PC Folder Backup is enabled, Windows automatically redirects the 'This PC\Documents' shortcut to the 'OneDrive\Documents' directory. These two locations point to the exact same synchronized folder.
Because they are the same folder viewed from two different access points, your files are not duplicated and do not consume extra hard drive space.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar system tray. Click the gear icon at the top right of the flyout menu and select 'Settings'.
In the Settings window, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab on the left sidebar, then click on the 'Manage backup' button.
Look at the status of the Documents folder in the list. If the toggle is turned on, your folders are synchronized, explaining why they appear in both locations.
Disable OneDrive Folder Backup
Stop syncing the local Documents folder to OneDrive if you want to keep files exclusively on your local PC storage.
Manage Your Local and Cloud Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While organizing your local and OneDrive directories, you need a reliable office suite to open, edit, and save your files safely. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that integrates perfectly with your local drives and cloud storage.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the lightweight installation process.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open'. Navigate to either your 'This PC' Documents or 'OneDrive' folder to access your files.
- 3. Edit and Save: Edit your document using familiar tools and save. WPS Office will preserve your exact file formats across both local and cloud directories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are files in my OneDrive folder taking up space on my computer's hard drive?
It depends on your OneDrive 'Files On-Demand' settings. If Files On-Demand is enabled, files may only exist in the cloud and appear as shortcuts on your PC, taking up almost no space until you double-click to open and download them.
What happens if I delete a file from the This PC Documents folder?
If OneDrive PC Folder Backup is enabled, deleting a file from 'This PC\Documents' will also delete it from 'OneDrive\Documents' and your cloud storage, because both locations refer to the exact same underlying file.
How can I tell which files are synced to the cloud and which are stored locally?
Open File Explorer and look at the 'Status' column next to your files. A solid green checkmark means the file is always kept on your device, a white circle with a green checkmark means it is temporarily downloaded, and a blue cloud icon indicates it is available online only.
Can I choose which specific folders to sync to OneDrive instead of the whole Documents folder?
Yes. You can manage which folders sync by opening OneDrive Settings, navigating to the Account tab, and clicking 'Choose folders'. This allows you to hide certain cloud folders from appearing in your local File Explorer.
