Windows 10: Documents folder shows both in and out of OneDrive folder, as well as in a "library"

Why does file explorer show my Documents folder both in OneDrive (where it really exists) and in my home folder (where it does not really exist)? And what is this library thing that also has a redundant way of accessing the Documents folder?


In other words,

1. if I go to C:\Users\<myname> there is no Documents folder, BUT
2. if click on my home directory icon on the desktop it DOES show me a Documents folder, an apparent conflict with number 1.
3. If I look at Libraries I see a Documents Library that contains the same Documents folder, an apparent redundancy.

This folder is actually in (and only in) my OneDrive folder. If I put a file in any of those places it shows up in all places, so it's really all the same place.


Are there multiple, unrelated, concepts conspiring to obfuscate things to the point where I might inadvertently delete something I shouldn't?

:)

 

Library Folders and Onedrive

Keith

I have now done the Location Move on the folders affected

One change has shown up. Previously even though a Folder location was changed the original folder remained, you suggested deleting it after removing it from the Library. In the past I have left it where it was to allow programs that refer to the Documents
folder via the UNC path to still have somewhere to drop files.

However after the move I found the Library now only had one path listed (in OneDrive) and it had been removed from the original location. So the result is as you suggested but I didn't have to do it.

I know there was an issue with build 1809 deleting files when it removed the folder (there were none in mine anyway) but this computer is build 1803.

 

Documents/Pictures folders under 'This PC' refer to onedrive - not the local folders

Hi,

Since changing the settings of OneDrive didn't set the auto save to "This PC" folder, we would suggest you to change the file path of your
Documents on your Libraries folder. Changing the file path to "C:\Users\YourPCName\Documents" will use your local storage as your default folder when saving files. To do so, kindly follow the steps below:

• Open File Explorer
• Click View
• Click Navigation pane
• Click Show libraries
• On the Navigation pane, click Libraries folder.
• Right-click Documents (Under the Libraries) folder.
  
• Click Properties
• Click Location tab
• Then choose "C:\Users\YourPCName\Documents"
• Click Set save location and then, click
  Apply
• Click OK

Let us know how it goes.

 

Documents/Pictures folders under 'This PC' refer to onedrive - not the local folders

Thank you for the quick response, Micah.

My documents are already being saved to 'This PC only'.

The Documents folder in the libraries is correct (local drive).

The Documents folder in the quick access area is correct (local drive).

The only thing that is incorrect is the documents folder under 'This PC'?

Also is 'winhelponline.com' affiliated with Microsoft?

Thanks again