OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix Duplicate SharePoint Folders and OneDrive Sync Conflicts

Amos Gikunda Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a duplicate SharePoint folder that is causing synchronization conflicts and triggering error 0x8007018B in OneDrive.

How to Fix Duplicate SharePoint Folders and OneDrive Sync Conflicts (Error 0x8007018B)

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to delete or move a duplicate SharePoint folder synced via OneDrive to resolve local file conflicts.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint folder appears in two local locations. Attempting to delete or move the duplicated folder results in error 0x8007018B because access to the cloud file is denied.

Before you start

Ensure you save and close any open documents located within the affected SharePoint folders, and verify you have administrator privileges on your Windows device before using the Command Prompt.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete Duplicate Folder via Command Prompt and Reset OneDrive

Use an elevated Command Prompt to bypass folder access restrictions, force-delete the duplicate directory, and reset the OneDrive client to restore normal synchronization.

Error 0x8007018B occurs because OneDrive is actively locking the files, denying your attempt to remove them via File Explorer. Pausing the sync engine and using command-line deletion bypasses this lock.

Pause OneDrive Synchronization

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar system tray. Click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, select 'Pause syncing', and choose '2 hours'.

Enable Hidden Items in File Explorer

Open File Explorer, click on the 'View' tab at the top, and ensure the 'Hidden items' checkbox is ticked so you can see all relevant system files.

Force Delete the Duplicate Folder

Press Win + S, type 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'. Type the command: rmdir /S /Q "C:\Users\YourUsername\[CompanyName]\DuplicateFolder" (replace the path with your actual duplicate folder location) and press Enter.

Reset the OneDrive Client

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and click OK. The OneDrive icon will disappear and reappear after a minute.

Resync SharePoint Library

Once OneDrive has restarted, open your web browser, navigate to the correct SharePoint document library online, and click the 'Sync' button to restore the proper local folder hierarchy.

Delete Duplicate Folder via Command Prompt and Reset OneDrive

Verification: After completing the sync setup, open File Explorer to confirm that only one instance of the SharePoint folder now exists and the sync conflict icons have disappeared.

Solution 2

Remove Duplicate Folder via Standard File Explorer

A simpler method to try first if the folder is not completely locked by the system, relying solely on pausing the sync client.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OneDrive error 0x8007018B mean?

Error 0x8007018B signifies 'Access to the cloud file is denied.' This typically occurs when you attempt to modify, move, or delete a file or folder that is currently locked by the OneDrive sync engine or experiencing a synchronization conflict.

How do I know if my OneDrive reset was successful?

When you execute the reset command, the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray will vanish. If the reset is successful, the icon will automatically reappear after 1 to 2 minutes. If it does not reappear, you can manually launch OneDrive from the Windows Start menu.

Will running the OneDrive reset command delete my files?

No. Resetting the OneDrive client does not delete any of your personal files or cloud data. It simply restarts the application's sync engine and performs a full check of your local repository to resolve any underlying conflicts.

Why do duplicate SharePoint folders keep appearing?

Duplicate folders usually occur when a user renames or moves a folder online while the local sync client is offline or out of sync. Once reconnected, OneDrive fails to merge the changes correctly, creating a second instance of the folder alongside the original.

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