One drive file moving

Ken Criss 0 Reputation points
2026-03-17T15:59:58.4933333+00:00

We are have issues with moving folders and files from one place to another in one drive. it is not moving all of the files and therefore creates duplicate folders with missing information on the destination folder.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-17T16:00:17.3966667+00:00

    When moving files and folders in OneDrive, several product behaviors can explain missing items and apparent duplicates:

    1. Moving vs. copying and shared content
    • On OneDrive.com, shared files can be moved, but shared folders cannot be moved directly.
    • If OneDrive is synced to a computer and a shared folder is moved in File Explorer/Finder, OneDrive actually copies that shared folder to the new location and then removes it from the OneDrive view, while it remains in the Shared list. This can look like a duplicate folder with different contents.
    • When files are moved between shared folders, they lose their original permissions and inherit the permissions of the destination folder. If items are moved into an unshared folder, they are no longer shared.
    1. Permissions and structure effects when moving
    • If a shared folder is moved into another folder, it takes the permissions of the destination folder. If the destination is not shared, the moved folder is no longer shared. This can result in some users seeing only part of the structure or “missing” files.
    • Moving items within the same shared folder does not change permissions, so this is safer when reorganizing.
    1. Using the correct move method
    • On OneDrive.com, use the built‑in Move to command:
      1. Browse to the file or folder.
      2. Select the items.
      3. Choose Move to in the top navigation.
      4. Select the destination folder and then Move.
    • For moving between different OneDrive accounts, sync to a PC/Mac and then use File Explorer/Finder to move files, as cross‑account moves are not supported directly in the web UI.
    1. Why duplicates and missing content appear
    • If some items fail to move (for example, due to sync issues or permissions), OneDrive may leave content behind in the source folder, so both source and destination folders exist with different subsets of files.
    • When moving shared folders via the synced client, the behavior of copying then removing from OneDrive can create what looks like duplicate folder structures in different locations.
    1. Recommended checks and mitigation
    • Verify whether the folders are shared folders or standard folders; avoid moving shared folders in File Explorer/Finder where possible.
    • Prefer moving files rather than entire shared folders, and do it from OneDrive.com using Move to.
    • After a move, confirm that:
      • All expected files appear in the destination.
      • Permissions are correct for the users who need access.
    • If duplicates already exist, consolidate by:
      • Comparing source and destination folder contents.
      • Moving any missing files using Move to.
      • Deleting obsolete/empty folders once confirmed that all content is in the correct location.

    If the behavior persists even when using Move to in the web interface, review whether the affected folders are shared and whether some users are only seeing part of the structure due to permission changes during the move.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Kai-L 19,140 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-17T18:48:55.33+00:00

    Dear @Ken Criss,

    I understand that you’re experiencing an unexpected issue where moving folders and files in OneDrive is disrupting your workflow and causing duplicate folders and missing content. As a forum moderator, I genuinely wish I could directly access your account or delve into the backend systems to diagnose and fix this for you. However, our role here is limited to providing general guidance and solutions that can be applied by users. 

    From my research, there are several reasons why this behavior can occur in OneDrive:

    • Files On‑Demand interference: When enabled (which is the default), files may appear locally as placeholders. Moving them before they are fully downloaded can result in partial moves, sync loops, or duplicate folders.
    • Sync timing conflicts: Moving a large number of files at once can trigger rapid changes. If syncing lags, OneDrive may create duplicates to prevent data loss.
    • Known Folder Move (KFM) overlap: If Desktop, Documents, or Pictures are backed up to OneDrive, moving those folders can cause path conflicts and duplicate or incomplete folders.
    • Large transfers: Moving a high volume of files can cause OneDrive to stall in a “Processing changes” state, leading to incomplete results.

    You might try the following steps when moving or reorganizing files, particularly for larger batches:

    Use OneDrive web interface (prevents most sync glitches)

    1. Go to onedrive.com.
    2. Select files/folders (use checkboxes or multi-select).
    3. Click Move to (or Copy to if testing).
    4. Choose destination folder > Move here.
      • This happens server-side > no local sync issues.
      • Wait for completion (progress shows).
    5. Refresh File Explorer on your PC > changes should sync cleanly.

    If you must use File Explorer:

    1. Pause syncing temporarily: Right-click OneDrive cloud icon (taskbar) > Pause syncing > 2/8/24 hours.
    2. Perform the move (drag-drop or cut-paste).
    3. Resume syncing immediately after.
    4. Monitor the OneDrive icon/activity center for errors/conflicts > resolve any "duplicate" or "couldn't sync" prompts.
    5. If duplicates appear (e.g., "Folder - ComputerName" or "- Copy"), keep the most recent/complete version (check dates/sizes) and delete extras.

    Additional fixes if issues persist:

    • Reset OneDrive (keeps files, restarts sync): Press Win + R > type: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset > Enter. 
    • Check/selective sync: Right-click OneDrive icon > Settings > Account tab > Choose folders > ensure all relevant folders are checked.
    • Clear credentials (for duplicate filename issues): Search "Credential Manager" > Windows Credentials > remove any "OneDrive Cached Credential".
    • Update/reinstall OneDrive: Settings > Apps > find Microsoft OneDrive > Update or Uninstall/reinstall from OneDrive release notes - Microsoft Support

    If none of the above solutions work, let me know in the comments for further investigation. Please note that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward to your reply.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it.

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  3. Fred Wiles 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-11T17:57:58.64+00:00

    Move command does not work, ONLY drag and drop which isn't always practical to use. Please fix this issue that's been ongoing for at least two years Microsoft!
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5489163/onedrive-online-the-move-to-command-does-not-work

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