Attempting to open or sync files in OneDrive can trigger the error message: "The source and destination file names are the same." This problem commonly arises due to Windows path length restrictions, synchronization conflicts, or unsupported characters in file or folder names. Addressing these root causes not only resolves the error but also streamlines file access and sharing across devices.

Shorten File and Folder Paths

The most frequent cause of this OneDrive error is exceeding the Windows maximum path length of 260 characters, which includes the drive letter, all folder names, and the file name itself. When the path is too long, OneDrive cannot create or sync the file locally, resulting in this error.

Step 1: Move the affected file or folder closer to the root of your OneDrive directory. For example, instead of storing a file in C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Projects\2024\Reports\Q1\Financials\April\Summary\Final\Report.pdf, move it to C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Reports\Report.pdf. This action shortens the full path and reduces the chance of hitting the character limit.

Step 2: Rename files and folders with shorter, clearer names. Every character counts toward the total path length, so abbreviate folder names and remove unnecessary words where possible.

Step 3: If moving and renaming files resolves the error, continue organizing files with a simpler, less nested folder structure. Following a "Rule of 3"—keeping directory levels to three or fewer—improves file accessibility and reduces path length issues.

Enable Long Path Support in Windows 10/11

Windows 10 and 11 allow you to activate support for long file paths, which raises the limit from 260 to 32,767 characters for compatible applications. Enabling this feature can prevent OneDrive errors caused by path length.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.

Step 3: Double-click LongPathsEnabled in the right pane. Set its value to 1 and click OK.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. After rebooting, try accessing or syncing the problematic file again.

Check for Invalid Characters and Reserved Names

OneDrive and Windows restrict certain characters and names in files and folders. Using unsupported characters or reserved names can trigger sync errors.

  • Remove any of these characters from file and folder names: " * : < > ? / \ |.
  • Avoid reserved names such as CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM0–COM9, LPT0–LPT9, .lock, desktop.ini, or any name starting with ~$.

After renaming files or folders to remove invalid characters or reserved names, allow OneDrive to resync and check if the error persists.

Ensure Files Are Fully Synced and Stored Locally

OneDrive’s "Files On-Demand" feature may keep files in the cloud until you open them. Attempting to open unsynced files can cause the error if the file isn’t yet downloaded to your device.

Step 1: In File Explorer, right-click the parent folder or the affected file, then select Always keep on this device. This prompts OneDrive to download the files locally.

Step 2: Wait for the sync status icon to display a solid green checkmark, indicating the file is available offline. Once synced, open the file to confirm the error is resolved.

Using this approach ensures that files are present on your hard drive, eliminating issues caused by cloud-only file status.

Restart or Reset OneDrive

Temporary glitches or sync conflicts can also cause this error. Restarting or resetting OneDrive often resolves these issues.

Step 1: Click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, select the gear icon, and choose Quit OneDrive.

Step 2: Relaunch OneDrive from your Start menu. Allow it to resync all files and check if the error disappears.

Step 3: If restarting OneDrive doesn’t fix the problem, reset the app by pressing Windows + R, entering %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, and pressing Enter. OneDrive will restart and attempt a full resync.

Resolve Sync Conflicts and View Problem Files

OneDrive may create duplicate or conflicted copies of files if changes occur on multiple devices before syncing. These conflicts can cause the error message to appear.

  • Check for files with names like [filename] ([computer name] conflict) and decide which version to keep.
  • Open OneDrive settings and select View sync problems to review and resolve any listed conflicts by renaming, deleting, or manually moving files.

Access Files Using the OneDrive Web App

If none of the above methods resolve the error, use the OneDrive website to access your files. Right-click the file in File Explorer and select View Online to open the file in your browser. This approach bypasses local path and sync issues, allowing you to work with files directly in the cloud.

Addressing path length, file naming, sync status, and OneDrive settings resolves the "The source and destination file names are the same" error, making file access smoother and minimizing sync disruptions.