How to fix
“Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location” error
on Windows

Hi, I tried moving one of my folders to another drive and for some reason I get the message "Can't move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can't be redirected. Access is denied." How can I fix this?

"Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location" error is an error that prevents you from moving a folder to a new location because the system believes there is already a folder with the same name at the destination. This problem can be particularly frustrating, especially if you are trying to organize your files and folders efficiently.

Reasons for the error

This error often occurs due to a folder mapping issue within the Windows operating system. Specifically, it happens when one folder is mapped or linked to another. A typical scenario involves the use of cloud storage services like OneDrive.

If you have uninstalled OneDrive while having certain folders backed up by default, the operating system may still retain the link to the original folder locations. When you attempt to move these folders, Windows detects a conflict because it perceives a duplicate folder in the same location, thus triggering the error message.

Possible solutions

You might have to perform numerous troubleshooting methods before you can fix the "Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location" error. One of the main solutions that worked involves modifying the settings in OneDrive - you may need to reconfigure OneDrive to ensure that the folders are no longer mapped incorrectly.

Additionally, repairing file corruption within the system can also help resolve the issue; this might include using built-in Windows tools to scan and fix corrupted files.

Another method involves modifying the registry. This is a more advanced solution that requires caution, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause further problems. Adjusting the relevant registry entries can help remove any residual mappings that are causing the conflict.

The [d1] maintenance and repair utility is particularly useful for dealing with issues such as broken registries or DLLs, corrupted system files, BSODs, and more, especially when the underlying cause is difficult to identify.

Fix 1. Configure OneDrive settings

For most users, the reason for the "Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location" error is OneDrive. Note: if you have uninstalled OneDrive, install it for now to unlink the sync - you can uninstall it after.

• Open the OneDrive app.
• Click on the Help & Settings icon, usually found in the bottom right corner of your screen.
• Select Settings from the menu.
• In the settings window, go to the Sync & backup section.
• Click Manage backup.
• Here, find the folder you want to move, and turn off the sync by clicking the switch (if you don't want to back up anything, disable the sync for all of them).
• When prompted, click Stop backup.
• Click Save changes.

Fix 2. Restore the folders to default location

Incorrect mapping can be resolved by restoring the folder to the default location - it is easy to do.

• Right-click on the folder you want to move.
• Select Properties.
• Go to the Location tab.
• There you will see the current location of the folder.
• Under this patch, click Restore Default and then click OK.

Fix 3. Repair system filed corruption

To fix corrupted files, you can run SFC and DISM using elevated Command Prompt.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask whether you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Once the scan is complete, use the following commands and press Enter each time:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  
• (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Restart your device.

Fix 4. Modify the registry

Be careful when modifying the registry - back up the database before proceeding. 

• Type regedit in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Confirm the UAC prompt.
• The paths for common special folders are stored in the following registry key - navigate there:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
• Here, you will see the list of common Windows folders and their locations.
• Below you will find the corresponding keys to the folder(s) you want to move:
  {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} (Downloads folder)  - %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
  AppData  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming
  Cache  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache
  Cookies  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCookies
  Desktop  -  %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
  Favorites  -  %USERPROFILE%\Favorites
  History  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History
  Local AppData  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local
  My Music  -  %USERPROFILE%\Music
  My Pictures  -  %USERPROFILE%\Pictures
  My Video  -  %USERPROFILE%\Videos
  NetHood  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts
  Personal  -  %USERPROFILE%\Documents
  PrintHood  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts
  Programs  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  Recent  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
  SendTo  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo
  Start Menu  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
  Startup  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
  Templates  -  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates
• Double-click on the folder you are having problems with and replace the Value with the appropriate location information as described above. 

• However, some of your folders might look like this:
  {3B193882-D3AD-4EAB-965A-69829D1FB59F}  -  Saved Pictures
  {AB5FB87B-7CE2-4F83-915D-550846C9537B}  -  Camera Roll
  {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F}  -  Screenshots
  {F42EE2D3-909F-4907-8871-4C22FC0BF756}  -  Local Documents
  {7D83EE9B-2244-4E70-B1F5-5393042AF1E4}  -  Local Downloads
  {A0C69A99-21C8-4671-8703-7934162FCF1D}  -  Local Music
  {0DDD015D-B06C-45D5-8C4C-F59713854639}  -  Local Pictures
  {35286A68-3C57-41A1-BBB1-0EAE73D76C95}  -  Local Videos
  {24D89E24-2F19-4534-9DDE-6A6671FBB8FE}  -  OneDrive Documents
• These keys are created by OneDrive and to reset them, you can simply delete them - Windows will recreate original folders instead.
• For example, if you can't move Screenshots folder, right-click on {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F} and select Delete. Confirm when prompted.
• Restart your device.