Explorer shows a OneDrive - Personal folder, which I assume is the one I should use. AND a OneDrive folder under C:\. Can I delete the C:\ folder after saving any unique files under it?

peterbell It seems like you are encountering two instances of OneDrive folders on your computer, and you're unsure whether it's safe to delete the OneDrive folder located under C:\ after saving any unique files from it. Let's clarify the situation and provide guidance:Understanding the OneDrive FoldersOneDrive - Personal Folder: This is the primary OneDrive folder associated with your Microsoft account. It typically syncs files and folders between your local computer and the cloud storage provided by Microsoft OneDrive. This folder is located under your user profile directory (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).**OneDrive Folder under C:**: This is not a standard location for OneDrive folders. Sometimes, users might mistakenly place a OneDrive folder directly on the root of the C:\ drive or it could be a remnant from a previous installation or configuration.Steps to Resolve the IssueHere’s what you can do to address the situation:Identify the Correct OneDrive Folder: Verify which OneDrive folder is actively syncing with your OneDrive cloud storage. You can do this by checking the folder location and contents.Move Unique Files: If the OneDrive folder under C:\ contains unique files that are not present in your OneDrive - Personal folder, move those files to your active OneDrive folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).Backup Important Files: Before deleting any folder, especially if it contains files you consider important, make sure to back them up to a secure location (such as an external drive or another cloud storage service).Delete Unnecessary OneDrive Folder: Once you have verified that all necessary files are safely stored in your active OneDrive folder, you can proceed to delete the OneDrive folder under C:\ to avoid confusion and potential synchronization issues.Deleting the C:\ OneDrive FolderTo delete the OneDrive folder under C::Close OneDrive Application: Make sure the OneDrive application is closed to prevent any active syncing processes.Delete Folder: Right-click on the OneDrive folder under C:\ and select "Delete". You may be prompted to provide administrator permission to delete the folder.Empty Recycle Bin: After deleting the folder, empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the folder and its contents from your computer.Additional ConsiderationsSync Settings: After deleting the C:\ OneDrive folder, you might want to check the OneDrive settings to ensure that the correct folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive) is set up for syncing.Restart OneDrive: After making changes, restart the OneDrive application to ensure that the synchronization process starts correctly and that there are no issues with the active OneDrive folder.By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of having two OneDrive folders and safely delete the unnecessary one after ensuring all important files are moved and backed up. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI. My answers are voluntary and without guarantee! Hope this will help you.Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and Like it!This will help all forum participants.

peterbell If you’re seeing duplicate OneDrive folders in Windows Explorer, uninstalling and reinstalling OneDrive can be an effective way to reset the folder configuration and clear out any syncing conflicts. Here’s what happens when you uninstall and reinstall OneDrive, as well as the steps for doing it safely:Effects of Uninstalling OneDriveLocal Files Remain Intact: Uninstalling OneDrive does not delete files stored on your computer. Any files in the OneDrive folder (e.g., C:\OneDrive or C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive) will remain in place on your local machine.Temporary Disconnection from Cloud: Uninstalling simply disconnects your local files from syncing with OneDrive temporarily. They will not be affected in the cloud; any files in the cloud (on OneDrive.com) will still be there.Clears Settings and Resets Path: Reinstalling OneDrive after uninstalling will prompt you to reselect your OneDrive folder location, which should allow you to set it to the correct path.Steps to Uninstall and Reinstall OneDriveBack Up Important Files:If you have unique files in the OneDrive folder, make a backup on an external drive or another location just in case.Double-check that all important files are backed up to OneDrive online (you can confirm by visiting OneDrive.com).Uninstall OneDrive:Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list, select it, and click Uninstall.Confirm any prompts to complete the uninstallation.Restart Your Computer:This will ensure any residual OneDrive processes or settings are cleared.Clean Up Residual Folders (Optional):If the extra OneDrive folder (C:\OneDrive) is still present, and you have verified all files are safely backed up, you can manually delete this folder.To remove any extra references to this folder, you can also try clearing OneDrive-related entries in the Registry again:Open Registry Editor (Win + R, type regedit, then press Enter).Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive and verify that any lingering paths reference only the folder you plan to use (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).Make adjustments if necessary and restart the computer again.Reinstall OneDrive:Download the latest version of OneDrive from the Microsoft OneDrive download page.Run the installer, and follow the setup instructions.During setup, it will ask for the folder location. Make sure to select C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive (the OneDrive - Personal folder).Verify Syncing:After installation, ensure that OneDrive is now pointing to C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive.Test syncing by creating or deleting a test file in the OneDrive - Personal folder to ensure changes reflect correctly online.Additional TipsCheck for Old Shortcuts: Sometimes, Windows Explorer can retain shortcuts to old OneDrive folders. If you continue to see duplicates, ensure there are no old shortcuts or Quick Access entries in Explorer. Right-click and Remove from Quick Access if necessary.OneDrive App Reset (Alternative to Uninstalling): You can also try resetting OneDrive instead of a full uninstall. Press Win + R, type:%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /resetand press Enter. This resets OneDrive’s settings and may clear the duplicate folder.These steps should help resolve the issue by ensuring OneDrive syncs to the intended folder without duplicate instances in Explorer. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI. On your own behalf: It is always helpful when more precise information about the digital environment is provided. OS, OneDrive version, etc. My answers are voluntary and without guarantee! Hope this will help you.

Thank you for your detailed reply.It seems that the 2 folders, OD' Personal and C: OD' contain the same files and both are synced, although OD' settings refers to just OD' Personal.I paused syncing then backed up OD' folders under OD' settings then, as a test, deleted a folder under C: OD'. and the folder disappeared from OD' Personal as well !Fortunately I was able to bring it back from the recycle bin.Not sure how to untangle this ?!

peterbell To untangle the situation where you have two OneDrive folders, both containing the same files and appearing to be synced, you need to carefully manage the OneDrive settings and ensure that only one instance is actively used for syncing. Here's a step-by-step guide to resolving this issue:Step 1: Verify Active OneDrive FolderPause Syncing: Pause syncing for OneDrive to avoid any conflicts during the process.Click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.Click on the Help & Settings icon (gear).Select "Pause syncing" and choose an appropriate time frame.Check OneDrive Settings:Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.Select "Settings".In the Settings tab, check the path for the OneDrive folder under "Account" -> "Choose folders". It should point to the OneDrive - Personal folder (typically C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).Step 2: Back Up FilesBackup Important Files: Before making any changes, ensure all important files are backed up to an external drive or another cloud storage service.Step 3: Rename the Unwanted OneDrive FolderRename the C:\ OneDrive Folder:Navigate to the OneDrive folder under C:\ (not the OneDrive - Personal folder).Rename the folder to something like C:\Old_OneDrive.Step 4: Resume Syncing and VerifyResume Syncing:Click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.Click on the Help & Settings icon (gear).Select "Resume syncing".Verify Syncing:Ensure that the OneDrive - Personal folder (typically C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive) is actively syncing and contains all the necessary files.Confirm that the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive) is not affecting the syncing process.Step 5: Check for IssuesTest Changes:Create a new test file in the OneDrive - Personal folder and verify that it syncs properly.Delete a test file from the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive) and ensure it does not affect the OneDrive - Personal folder.Step 6: Clean UpFinal Cleanup:If everything is working correctly and the OneDrive - Personal folder is the only one actively syncing, you can safely delete the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive).Make sure to empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the folder.Additional ConsiderationsOneDrive Settings: Double-check OneDrive settings to ensure only the correct folder is set for syncing.Restart OneDrive: After making changes, restart the OneDrive application to ensure smooth operation.System Restart: Sometimes a system restart helps to clear any lingering sync issues.By carefully following these steps, you should be able to untangle the situation with the two OneDrive folders and ensure that only the correct folder is actively used for syncing. If you encounter any issues during the process, you can revert changes by restoring from your backups. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI. My answers are voluntary and without guarantee! Hope this will help you.

Thanks again for your help and instructions.If I pause Syncing then Settings is greyed out and unavailable!So I checked the Choose Folder under Settings first and it points to the C:\ OneDrive folder not to the OneDrive - Personal folder !Not sure how to proceed now?

Two OneDrive folders showing with Explorer

12 Replies

Asif_Iqbal1
Copper Contributor
Nov 02, 2024
I am facing the same PROBLEM and trying to find some solution regarding this PROBLEM as Two OneDrive folders showing with Explorer" in my local machine under the Windows Explorer. Can anyone help for this PROBLEM. I and other would really appreciate if get it resolved.
Thanks in advance.
BR,
Asif
NikolinoDE
Gold Contributor
Jul 15, 2024
peterbell
It seems like you are encountering two instances of OneDrive folders on your computer, and you're unsure whether it's safe to delete the OneDrive folder located under C:\ after saving any unique files from it. Let's clarify the situation and provide guidance:
Understanding the OneDrive Folders
OneDrive - Personal Folder: This is the primary OneDrive folder associated with your Microsoft account. It typically syncs files and folders between your local computer and the cloud storage provided by Microsoft OneDrive. This folder is located under your user profile directory (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).
**OneDrive Folder under C:**: This is not a standard location for OneDrive folders. Sometimes, users might mistakenly place a OneDrive folder directly on the root of the C:\ drive or it could be a remnant from a previous installation or configuration.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
Here’s what you can do to address the situation:
Identify the Correct OneDrive Folder: Verify which OneDrive folder is actively syncing with your OneDrive cloud storage. You can do this by checking the folder location and contents.
Move Unique Files: If the OneDrive folder under C:\ contains unique files that are not present in your OneDrive - Personal folder, move those files to your active OneDrive folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).
Backup Important Files: Before deleting any folder, especially if it contains files you consider important, make sure to back them up to a secure location (such as an external drive or another cloud storage service).
Delete Unnecessary OneDrive Folder: Once you have verified that all necessary files are safely stored in your active OneDrive folder, you can proceed to delete the OneDrive folder under C:\ to avoid confusion and potential synchronization issues.
Deleting the C:\ OneDrive Folder
To delete the OneDrive folder under C::
Close OneDrive Application: Make sure the OneDrive application is closed to prevent any active syncing processes.
Delete Folder: Right-click on the OneDrive folder under C:\ and select "Delete". You may be prompted to provide administrator permission to delete the folder.
Empty Recycle Bin: After deleting the folder, empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the folder and its contents from your computer.
Additional Considerations
Sync Settings: After deleting the C:\ OneDrive folder, you might want to check the OneDrive settings to ensure that the correct folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive) is set up for syncing.
Restart OneDrive: After making changes, restart the OneDrive application to ensure that the synchronization process starts correctly and that there are no issues with the active OneDrive folder.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of having two OneDrive folders and safely delete the unnecessary one after ensuring all important files are moved and backed up. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.
Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and Like it!
This will help all forum participants.
- dadybear1234
  Copper Contributor
  Apr 03, 2025
  My two appear as OneDrive and OneDrive Personal in File Explorer. Unfortunately, they both have the same path, C:/Users/BARRY, without the OneDrive at the end. They both also have the same amount of MB's or GBs and both have the same created date in 2020 with the same exact time created. I've been screwing around with this for weeks now and most of my files are corrupt because of the constantly deleting and emptying of the recycle bin. Restoring all files from the OneDrive recycle bin and then deleting them over and over.
- peterbell
  Copper Contributor
  Jul 15, 2024
  Thank you for your detailed reply.
  It seems that the 2 folders, OD' Personal and C: OD' contain the same files and both are synced, although OD' settings refers to just OD' Personal.
  I paused syncing then backed up OD' folders under OD' settings then, as a test, deleted a folder under C: OD'. and the folder disappeared from OD' Personal as well !
  Fortunately I was able to bring it back from the recycle bin.
  Not sure how to untangle this ?!
  - NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor
    Jul 15, 2024
    peterbell
    To untangle the situation where you have two OneDrive folders, both containing the same files and appearing to be synced, you need to carefully manage the OneDrive settings and ensure that only one instance is actively used for syncing. Here's a step-by-step guide to resolving this issue:
    Step 1: Verify Active OneDrive Folder
    Pause Syncing: Pause syncing for OneDrive to avoid any conflicts during the process.
    Click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
    Click on the Help & Settings icon (gear).
    Select "Pause syncing" and choose an appropriate time frame.
    Check OneDrive Settings:
    Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
    Select "Settings".
    In the Settings tab, check the path for the OneDrive folder under "Account" -> "Choose folders". It should point to the OneDrive - Personal folder (typically C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive).
    Step 2: Back Up Files
    Backup Important Files: Before making any changes, ensure all important files are backed up to an external drive or another cloud storage service.
    Step 3: Rename the Unwanted OneDrive Folder
    Rename the C:\ OneDrive Folder:
    Navigate to the OneDrive folder under C:\ (not the OneDrive - Personal folder).
    Rename the folder to something like C:\Old_OneDrive.
    Step 4: Resume Syncing and Verify
    Resume Syncing:
    Click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
    Click on the Help & Settings icon (gear).
    Select "Resume syncing".
    Verify Syncing:
    Ensure that the OneDrive - Personal folder (typically C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive) is actively syncing and contains all the necessary files.
    Confirm that the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive) is not affecting the syncing process.
    Step 5: Check for Issues
    Test Changes:
    Create a new test file in the OneDrive - Personal folder and verify that it syncs properly.
    Delete a test file from the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive) and ensure it does not affect the OneDrive - Personal folder.
    Step 6: Clean Up
    Final Cleanup:
    If everything is working correctly and the OneDrive - Personal folder is the only one actively syncing, you can safely delete the renamed folder (C:\Old_OneDrive).
    Make sure to empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the folder.
    Additional Considerations
    OneDrive Settings: Double-check OneDrive settings to ensure only the correct folder is set for syncing.
    Restart OneDrive: After making changes, restart the OneDrive application to ensure smooth operation.
    System Restart: Sometimes a system restart helps to clear any lingering sync issues.
    By carefully following these steps, you should be able to untangle the situation with the two OneDrive folders and ensure that only the correct folder is actively used for syncing. If you encounter any issues during the process, you can revert changes by restoring from your backups. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
    
    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
    
    Hope this will help you.

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Two OneDrive folders showing with Explorer

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