You’re trying to upload a file or folder on your OneDrive account using the OneDrive app. But another file or folder with the same name already exists in the same location. As the original file or folder is not visible because of a technical glitch, synchronization issue, or some other reason, you’re getting the error “The file or folder already exists in OneDrive”. There are several workarounds to solve this problem.

Method 1: Move the Original File/ Folder to Some Other Location Using OneDrive Web

As your OneDrive account already contains a file or folder with the same name in the upload location, moving it to another location will help. But how do you move that file or folder if you can’t see it?

The solution is simple: Fire up your web browser and sign-in to OneDrive Web. Now, you will be able to find the file or folder and move it to some other location.

1. Open Microsoft OneDrive from a web browser.
2. Sign-in to your account.
3. Go to the folder containing the file or folder with the same name as the one you’re trying to upload.
4. Right-click on that file or folder, and select “Move to”.
5. Choose a new location such as a different folder or a sub-folder, and then click on “Move here”.

Method 2: Rename the Original File/ Folder Using OneDrive Web

If you don’t want to move the file or folder, there is another option. You can rename it to a different name. This will prevent reoccurrence of the error while uploading your file or folder.

1. Sign in to your OneDrive account in your browser.
2. Go to the folder containing the file or folder with the same name as the one you’re trying to upload.
3. Right-click on that file or folder, and select the “Rename” option.
4. Specify a new name and then press Enter.

Method 3: Upload the File Using OneDrive Web

Another way to prevent this error is to directly upload your file or folder using the OneDrive Web. If OneDrive asks you to replace the original file, overwrite it.

Method 4: Upload Inside a Sub-Folder Using OneDrive App

You can also try uploading your file or folder to another folder in your OneDrive account, or a sub-folder.

Method 5: Sign Out & Sign In Back

Sometimes, a temporary issue might occur with the OneDrive app because of a slow Internet connection or other reasons. Sign out of your OneDrive account and sign-in back again to see if that fixes the problem.

1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray area of your Taskbar.
2. Click on the “More” icon.
3. Select “Settings”.
4. In the newly opened dialog, click on the “Account” tab.
5. Click on “Unlink this PC”.
6. Close the dialog and wait for some time.
7. Now, re-open the Settings dialog and head on to the “Account” tab.
8. Sign in again by clicking on the “Add an account” button and following the on-screen instructions.

Method 6: Delete Duplicate Files

Files with duplicate names can sometimes cause OneDrive sync conflicts, and potentially lead to “The file or folder already exists in OneDrive” error. Use the OneDrive Duplicate Finder to find and remove duplicate files to see if that helps.