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Can you upload folders on OneDrive so they merge, rather than duplicate?

Anonymous
2025-03-26T10:33:29+00:00

As part of a group back-up exercise, our team has created a folder structure into which our team members add all their files, allowing them to be batch-uploaded to a shared OneDrive folder. Our intention is, like in Windows, to upload all of the files at once so the folders merge and the files drop into the necessary subfolders without need for manually uploading to each and every subfolder one by one.

However, in testing, when I have uploaded the whole folder structure at once, OneDrive recognises pre-existing folders and insists on duplicating them, not merging them. Is there a workaround for this so the files will merge within single folders, rather than having to make duplicates? Or does each individual have to manually upload to each individual folder?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-26T11:43:12+00:00

    Dear PCwork_205,

    Thank you for reaching out! You can achieve the desired outcome by using the OneDrive Sync app. Here are the steps to do so:

    1. Download and install the latest OneDrive Sync app from this link.
    2. Open the shared OneDrive folder online and click "Sync". Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

    1. Wait until all files have synced, indicated by a blue cloud or green tick icon.

    1. Once syncing is finished, you can manually copy the folder with same name into the synced shared folder on your local device. Based on my testing, the folders will merge without duplication. For example, I have a "App" folder synced. Then I created an additional "App" folder from another local location with some new files placed inside. Copy the local App folder to OneDrive, it merges with the existing "App" folder. And files inside are uploaded to OneDrive.

    I hope it proves to be a useful solution for your team! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further assistance.

    Thank you for your time and patience, we hope you have a great day!

    Best Regards,
    Community Moderator | Sophia

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