Why do I have two documents folders displayed and two picture folders displayed in Win 11

Steve Castle 20 Reputation points
2025-11-23T04:40:10.67+00:00

Hi all,

A few months ago I purchased a new laptop with Win 11 installed. I have not looked into folder structures until now and am confused as to why File Explorer shows 2 documents folders and 2 pictures folders under my locaL account name.

Both folders properties point to the same location, which is NOT a OneDrive folder.

I am not using OneDrive and never intend to use the backup / sync function of OneDrive.

Please see attached screenshots.

User's image

User's image

Regards,

Steve

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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Answer accepted by question author
Jhun Buala 5,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-11-23T05:49:22.7533333+00:00

Hi Steve Castle,

Good Day. Im Jhun am independent advisor. In regards with your query, Windows 11 is just displaying two shortcuts to the same location due to its Explorer navigation structure (or a minor UI bug). Nothing is wrong with your system or files. .

Windows 11 shows certain user folders in two different areas:
This PC > Documents / Pictures

Your User Profile (C:\Users\Your Name) > Documents / Pictures

Both entries look like from separate folders but it actually point to the same location.

If you want to hide the duplicates in the Navigation Pane

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click View > Show
  3. Toggle Navigation Pane Settings and Turn off:
    Show Libraries
    Show all folders.
  4. These settings sometimes generate duplicate icons.

I hope this explains and helps.

Regards,
Jhun

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