After moving files from OneDrive to another path, the source path still contains this file

Wilson Ruby 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T00:11:19.51+00:00

In the web version of OneDrive, it appears intermittently and intermittently. After moving a folder, the source path still shows the folder that has been moved, but the subfiles inside are gone, showing item 0, and the destination path still displays this file normally. The problem is, after moving, the folder should disappear, so why is it still there? Is there an operation issue, or is it your f3 version?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Other
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  1. BabybooHN 3,040 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-17T00:25:05.0666667+00:00

    Dear @Wilson Ruby

    Answer your question directly: your operation is completely fine. The problem you encounter is a known intermittent problem in the OneDrive for Business web interface (including the F3 environment).

    When you move files or folders in OneDrive Web, the system processes it in two steps: first, copy the data to the target location, then delete it from the source location.

    If an empty folder with "0 projects" appears, it is caused by temporary synchronization delays or API rendering delays between the OneDrive server database and browser sessions. The data was successfully transmitted to the target location, but the source user interface (UI) failed to immediately refresh its visual state, causing the folder to appear as a "ghost" state.

    Since this is caused by web rendering and caching mechanisms, you can follow these steps to resolve the visual glitch:

    1. Force Refresh: Press Ctrl + F5 on the source path page (Windows). This forces the browser to bypass the local cache and directly obtain the updated directory view from the server.
    2. Clearing browser cache and cookies: Intermittent UI lag in OneDrive Web Edition is usually related to browser data accumulation. In Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, select "Cached Images and Files," then click "Clear Data."
    3. Test in InPrivate/Invisible Window: Open the Privacy Browsing session and log in to OneDrive Web. If the "ghost folder" disappears, it indicates a cache issue with your local browser.

    Please understand that as Independent Advisor, the actual environment and specific challenges your users face may differ from my testing environment. Rest assured, I am always ready to help bridge the gap. We will work closely to effectively guide you and optimize this process according to your issues. If you encounter any difficulties or notice that a step is not working as expected, please feel free to contact me. I am very happy to continue learning and collaborating with you until we find the right solution.

    Please tell me if forcing a page refresh or clearing the cache can solve the empty source folder problem you're encountering.


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