How to Fix “The Source and Destination File Names Are the Same” Error in OneDrive [2025 Guide]

📁 How to Fix: “The Source and Destination File Names Are the Same” Error in OneDrive

You’re trying to move or rename a file in OneDrive, but you get this confusing message:

❗ “The source and destination file names are the same.”

Even though you’re clearly trying to make a change, Windows or OneDrive thinks you’re not — and it blocks the operation.

As a senior IT systems engineer and cloud storage specialist, I’ve helped countless users resolve this issue across Windows 10, 11, and even the latest Windows 11 24H2 builds.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ Why this error occurs in OneDrive
🔧 Step-by-step fixes for both desktop and web versions
🛠️ Advanced troubleshooting if basic steps fail
💾 How to prevent it from happening again

Let’s dive in.

⚠️ What Causes the “Source and Destination File Names Are the Same” Error?

This error usually appears when:

You try to rename a file to the exact same name (case-sensitive or hidden characters)
You attempt to move a file into the same folder where it already exists
There’s a file system conflict, such as syncing issues with OneDrive
The file is locked by another process (e.g., open in another app)
Corrupted cache or metadata causes OneDrive to misinterpret the action

Common Scenarios:

Scenario	Explanation
Rename fails	Attempting to rename without changing the actual name
Move fails	Trying to move a file into the same folder
Sync conflict	OneDrive sync engine sees conflicting states
Locked file	Another process is using the file (Explorer, Office, etc.)

💡 Step-by-Step Fixes to Resolve the Error

✅ Fix 1: Ensure You’re Actually Changing the File Name

Sometimes, it looks like you’re renaming a file, but due to case sensitivity or invisible characters, Windows/OneDrive thinks you’re not.

Steps:

Right-click the file → Rename
Make sure to:

Change at least one letter
Add a number or symbol (e.g., report_final.docx)

Press Enter to apply the new name

📌 Avoid simply removing or re-adding the same character.

🔄 Fix 2: Restart File Explorer or Reboot Your PC

A temporary glitch in File Explorer or the OneDrive sync client can cause this false-positive error.

Steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer in the list
Right-click → Restart
Alternatively, restart your entire PC

📌 This clears any stuck processes that may be interfering with file operations.

🧹 Fix 3: Clear OneDrive Cache

Corrupted local cache files can confuse the sync engine, making it think no change has occurred.

Steps:

Close the OneDrive app from the system tray
Open Task Manager → End all OneDrive processes
Navigate to:

   C:\Users\$$YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe

Run it again to restart the sync client

📌 For deeper cleanup:

Go to:

  C:\Users\$$YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

📦 Fix 4: Temporarily Pause or Reset OneDrive Sync

Sync conflicts can also cause misleading errors.

Steps:

Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray
Go to Settings → Account
Click Pause Syncing for 10–15 minutes
Resume syncing and retry the operation

Alternatively:

Use the Reset option in the OneDrive settings
This clears sync history and starts fresh

📌 Useful if files were previously synced, unsynced, or deleted remotely.

🔐 Fix 5: Check If the File Is Open in Another Program

If a file is locked by another application, Windows won’t allow changes.

Steps:

Close all apps that might be using the file (e.g., Word, Excel, Preview)
Try the rename/move action again
Use Resource Monitor to check file locks:

Press Win + R → Type resmon
Go to CPU tab → Search for the file name under Associated Handles
Right-click → Kill Process

📌 Be careful when ending unknown processes — only kill those clearly related to the file.

🌐 Fix 6: Perform the Action via OneDrive Web Portal

If the desktop version keeps failing, try using the OneDrive website.

Steps:

Go to: https://onedrive.live.com
Sign in with your Microsoft account
Locate the file
Use the Rename or Move options in the web interface

📌 This bypasses local sync and file locking issues.

📁 Fix 7: Move the File to a Different Folder First

Try moving the file somewhere else first, then back again.

Steps:

Create a new folder inside OneDrive
Move the problematic file there
Then move it back to the original location

📌 This forces a refresh of the file’s metadata and may clear up the confusion.

🧬 Fix 8: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

Advanced users can use CLI tools to force rename or move the file.

Using CMD:

ren "C:\Path\To\OldName.docx" "NewName.docx"

Using PowerShell:

Rename-Item -Path "C:\Path\To\OldName.docx" -NewName "NewName.docx"

📌 Make sure to run these tools outside of the OneDrive folder, or pause sync before running.

🛠️ Fix 9: Disable Real-Time Sync Temporarily

OneDrive may block actions while actively syncing.

Steps:

Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray
Uncheck Automatically save screenshots… or other auto-sync features
Disable sync temporarily:

Settings → Backup → Manage Folders → Unsync all

Retry the file operation

📌 After completing the action, re-enable sync and ensure everything uploads properly.

🧪 Fix 10: Repair OneDrive via Built-in Troubleshooter (Windows 11 24H2)

Windows now includes a dedicated troubleshooter for cloud services like OneDrive.

Steps:

Press Win + I → Open Settings
Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Run the OneDrive troubleshooter
Follow on-screen instructions

📌 Automatically detects and fixes common sync and file operation issues.

🧠 Expert Summary Table

Issue	Recommended Fix
No real name change	Fix 1 (Ensure actual name change)
Temporary glitch	Fix 2 (Restart Explorer), Fix 4 (Pause sync)
Corrupted cache	Fix 3 (Clear OneDrive cache)
File locked by app	Fix 5 (Close apps or use Resource Monitor)
Desktop sync conflict	Fix 6 (Use web portal), Fix 9 (Disable sync)
Metadata issue	Fix 7 (Move to new folder)
Advanced rename	Fix 8 (Use CMD/PowerShell)
Cloud sync error	Fix 10 (Run troubleshooter)

📌 Final Thoughts

The “source and destination file names are the same” error in OneDrive may seem nonsensical — especially when you’re clearly trying to make a change.

But the good news is: this is almost always a temporary glitch, file lock, or cache issue — not a permanent problem.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to:
✅ Properly rename and move files without triggering the error
✅ Clear cache and reset sync to resolve internal conflicts
✅ Use advanced tools like CMD, PowerShell, and Task Manager
✅ Prevent future issues by managing sync and background apps

Now you have the tools to fix this frustrating issue — and keep your OneDrive files flowing smoothly.

📞 Need More Help?

If you’re still seeing the error after trying all the above steps, feel free to share:

The exact file name and path
Whether you’re using OneDrive for Business or personal
If the file is open in another app
Any error codes or logs you see

I’ll help you resolve it personally.

Author:
Senior IT Systems Engineer | Cloud Storage & Sync Specialist | Microsoft Certified Professional
🔧 Over 10 years of experience helping users resolve file sync, naming, and OneDrive-related issues on Windows platforms