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OneDrive Always Opens Two Instances? How to Stop it
Check if you have two accounts set up
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
OneDrive is a popular file hosting service developed by Microsoft. While it works fine for most users, a few persistently face issues with the service. And recently, some users came across a problem where OneDrive always opens two instances.
The two instances are visible in both the system tray and the navigation pane of the Windows File Explorer. In some cases, the first instance was logged in, while the other was not, and the latter basically had no files to show. It didn’t sync files or display the linked email address.
For those wondering, OneDrive is opening twice because you have set up both a personal and work/school account. The personal account has a greyed-out icon in the system tray, while the one configured for business/education is blue.
Also, incorrect Registry entries are often to blame when OneDrive is opening multiple times. Besides, a few who contacted Microsoft support were informed that it was a bug in the recently rolled-out OneDrive version and that a patch should be released soon.
Keep reading to find out how to fix two instances of OneDrive in Windows!
How do I stop OneDrive from opening twice?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:
In case none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Delete the related Registry key
Also, if OneDrive is running twice, and has distinct names,OneDrive – PersonalandOneDrive Business Accounts, make sure you delete the desired registry key, i.e., whichever OneDrive account you don’t want appearing in the Windows Explorer.
2. Modify the Registry
TheSystem.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTreeDWORD could be stored under different paths in the Registry Editor, so we recommend you perform a search instead of manually locating it.
And if OneDrive still opens two instances, change theValue databack to1head to the next solution.
3. Unlink the other OneDrive account
When OneDrive opens two instances, and one reads OneDrive while the other reads OneDrive – Company Name, unlink the account you don’t want to show up in Windows 11.
4. Reset the OneDrive desktop app
5. Perform a system restore
If the OneDrive folder shows twice in File Explorer and has two instances in the taskbar, the last option is to perform a system restore. It will revert any recent changes to the PC that triggered the error without affecting the personal files.
How do I delete all OneDrive instances?
To delete all OneDrive instances, you could unlink the PC for all configured accounts. Another option is to set theValue datato0for theSystem.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTreeDWORD in Registry found for the different accounts.
Besides, if you are not actively syncing files with OneDrive, go with anotherreliable cloud storage serviceand thendisable OneDrivefor good.
OneDrive remains a popular cloud file storage service, but issues with it on desktop and mobile devices seem to bother many, especially if it opens two instances or whenOneDrive is not syncing on Windows.
A few also foundOneDrive not opening, a problem triggered by misconfigured settings or local policies. So, unless it’s set up by the administrator, you can always switch to a more user-friendly option.
If you know any other fixes that work when OneDrive opens multiple times, drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,icon,onedrive
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
