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Before removing either OneDrive entry, check whether they point to different accounts. Windows can show a personal OneDrive and one or more work or school accounts, so two labels do not necessarily mean one account is duplicated. If both entries point to the same account and folder, try the low-risk OneDrive repair steps first; editing the Registry is an unofficial, higher-risk option with no guaranteed key to remove.
First check whether the entries are really duplicates
Compare the names shown in File Explorer and the destinations each entry opens. Microsoft identifies a personal account as OneDrive – Personal and a work or school account as OneDrive – [CompanyName]. Windows can sync multiple work or school accounts but only one personal OneDrive account. See Microsoft’s guidance on syncing computer files and folders with OneDrive.
- If the labels identify a personal account and an organization, they may be separate accounts rather than a duplicate.
- If both entries appear to be for the same account, open each and compare the folders or locations. Avoid deleting an entry until you know which account and synced folder it represents.
Try OneDrive repair steps before changing the Registry
Microsoft documents resetting and unlinking OneDrive as general troubleshooting steps. Neither is documented as a guaranteed fix for a duplicated File Explorer navigation entry, so use them when OneDrive itself has a sync or configuration problem, or when simpler checks have not helped.
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- Press Windows+R to open Run.
- Enter
%localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /resetand select OK. If Windows cannot find the executable, Microsoft’s OneDrive reset instructions list alternate Program Files paths to try. - When the reset finishes, open OneDrive from the Start menu. If you use both personal and work or school accounts, you may need to repeat the steps for each.
A reset disconnects sync connections and runs a full sync. You may need to select again the folders previously configured for selective sync. Reset behavior and steps are described by Microsoft Support.
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Unlink and reconnect the PC for an account setup issue
In OneDrive settings, go to Account > Unlink this PC. Then launch OneDrive and sign in again to reconnect it. Microsoft’s account removal instructions explain how to unlink. Unlinking does not delete cloud files: files available on the device remain in the computer’s OneDrive folder, while online-only files remain accessible on OneDrive on the web.
If the duplicate followed a OneDrive folder move
If you deliberately changed the OneDrive folder location, Microsoft’s documented sequence is to unlink the PC, move the folder, and then relink OneDrive. Follow the steps in Change the location of your OneDrive folder. This is a supported way to change the folder location; it does not establish that a move is the cause of every duplicate navigation entry.
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Registry suggestions are community advice, not a guaranteed fix
Microsoft Q&A contributors have suggested inspecting OneDrive-related entries under HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerDesktopNameSpace and related locations. The reports are community-authored, and Microsoft does not provide a definitive procedure for identifying and deleting the correct key for every duplicate-entry case. See the reports in OneDrive show up multiple times on the Navigation Pane and Duplicate OneDrive in file explorer.
Do not assume a particular identifier or Registry key is always the extra entry. A manual change can remove the wrong File Explorer item or affect shell behavior. If you choose to inspect or edit the Registry, back it up first; Microsoft’s OneDrive installation troubleshooting guidance recommends backing up the Registry before changing it. If you cannot identify the entry confidently, stop rather than deleting keys speculatively.
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Do not confuse duplicate navigation entries with duplicate files
Two OneDrive items in File Explorer’s navigation pane are different from duplicate files inside a OneDrive folder. Microsoft’s separate Duplicate files in OneDrive guidance addresses the file issue, not the navigation-pane display.
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