Efficiently Eliminate Duplicate Files from OneDrive in File Explorer- A Step-by-Step Guide

by liuqiyue

How to Remove Duplicate OneDrive from File Explorer

OneDrive is a convenient cloud storage service provided by Microsoft that allows users to store, sync, and share files across multiple devices. However, sometimes duplicates of OneDrive can appear in the File Explorer, causing confusion and clutter. If you’re wondering how to remove duplicate OneDrive from File Explorer, follow these simple steps to clean up your system.

1. Open File Explorer

First, open the File Explorer on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

2. Navigate to the OneDrive folder

In the File Explorer, you will see a list of folders on the left-hand side. Look for the OneDrive folder and click on it to expand it.

3. Sort files by name

Right-click on any empty space within the OneDrive folder and select “Sort by” from the context menu. Choose “Name” to sort the files alphabetically.

4. Find and remove duplicates

Now that the files are sorted by name, it will be easier to spot duplicates. Look for files with the same name or similar names, especially if they have the same date modified or file size. Right-click on the duplicate file and select “Delete” to remove it from the OneDrive folder.

5. Confirm deletion

A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the file. Click “Yes” to proceed with the deletion.

6. Repeat for other duplicates

Continue searching for duplicates and deleting them one by one until all duplicates have been removed from the OneDrive folder.

7. Refresh OneDrive

After removing the duplicates, it’s a good idea to refresh OneDrive to ensure that the changes are applied. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive folder in the File Explorer and select “Sync Now” from the context menu.

8. Clean up OneDrive settings

Finally, to prevent duplicates from appearing in the future, you can adjust the OneDrive settings. Go to the OneDrive website (onedrive.com) and log in with your Microsoft account. From there, go to the settings page and disable the “Keep files on this PC” option for any folders you want to sync directly to your computer.

By following these steps, you can easily remove duplicate OneDrive from File Explorer and maintain a clean and organized cloud storage experience.

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