OneDrive serves as an excellent resource for both storing and distributing files. However, it might inadvertently generate copies of your files without your knowledge. This situation can be both annoying and consume extra space on your computer or device that isn’t needed. Luckily, there are measures you can implement to stop OneDrive from producing duplicate files.
Turn Off Auto-Save Features
One of the main reasons that OneDrive creates duplicates is because it has auto-save features turned on by default. These features automatically save your work as you go, which can create multiple versions of the same file if you make changes to it. To turn off these features, open OneDrive and click on the gear icon in the top right corner. From there, select “Settings” and then “Auto Save.” You should see a box that says “Save my work automatically.” Uncheck this box to turn off auto-save.
Use File Explorer
Another way to prevent OneDrive from creating duplicates is to use File Explorer instead of the OneDrive app. When you open a file in File Explorer, it will only create one version of that file, even if you make changes to it. To do this, right-click on the file you want to edit and select “Open with” or “Edit.” This will open the file in its default program, which should be set up to save your work automatically without creating duplicates.
Use OneDrive’s Version History Feature
If you do end up with duplicate files in OneDrive, don’t worry – there is a way to get rid of them. OneDrive has a feature called “Version History” that allows you to see all the different versions of a file and delete any duplicates. To access this feature, right-click on the file you want to view and select “Version History.” From there, you can see all the different versions of the file and delete any duplicates.
Conclusion
OneDrive is a great tool for storing and sharing files, but it’s important to take steps to prevent it from creating duplicates. By turning off auto-save features, using File Explorer instead of the OneDrive app, and using OneDrive’s Version History feature, you can keep your files organized and save space on your computer or device.
