Two OneDrive folders showing with Explorer

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 OneDrive

1. Local 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 OneDrive

1. Back 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).
2. 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.
3. Restart Your Computer:
• This will ensure any residual OneDrive processes or settings are cleared.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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 Tips

• Check 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 /reset

and 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.

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Hope this will help you.