Fix: Can't Move the Folder Because There is a Folder in the Same Location

Having trouble moving a folder in Windows 11? This guide will help you resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.

What should I do if I can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected?​

1. Close the App Your Folder Is Open In​

• Identify the program or process using the folder. If you see an error message stating that the folder is open in another program, this is your clue.
• Close the program or process. If unsure, you can restart your computer to ensure all programs are closed.
• After restarting, attempt to move the folder again.

By closing the app, you free up the folder and should be able to move it without any issues.

2. Set a default path to be able to move the folder​

• Right-click on the folder you’re facing the problem with, and select Properties.
• Navigate to the Location tab, click on Restore Default, and then on OK to save the changes.
  

Make sure to copy all the files from the old location to the new location. Not doing so can lead to data loss.

3. Change Your OneDrive Settings​

• Find the OneDrive icon in the system tray (bottom right of the screen) and click on it.
• Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner of the OneDrive window to access settings.
• Select the Account tab and click on Choose folders.
• Untick the option Files not in a folder and click OK.

Changing OneDrive settings can resolve syncing issues that may prevent you from moving the folder.

4. Run the DISM Scan​

• Press Windows + S to open the search bar and type cmd.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
• In the Command Prompt, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete, then try moving the folder again.

Running a DISM scan helps fix corrupted system files that might be preventing folder movement.

5. Modify User Shell Folders Registry Key​

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders.
• Locate the registry key for the problematic folder and double-click it.
• Replace the current value data with the default value:
  • Desktop: %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
  • Favorites: %USERPROFILE%\Favorites
  • Music: %USERPROFILE%\Music
  • Pictures: %USERPROFILE%\Pictures
  • Videos: %USERPROFILE%\Videos
  • Documents: %USERPROFILE%\Documents
  • Downloads: %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
• Click OK and restart your computer.

Modifying the registry key to its default value corrects file mapping issues, making it possible to move the folder.

6. Relink Your OneDrive Account​

• Click on the OneDrive icon in the Taskbar.
• Click on the gear icon at the top and then on Settings.
  
  
  
• Now navigate to the Account tab, click on Unlink this PC, and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
  
• Close OneDrive and restart your device.
• Once done, open OneDrive and sign in again with your account.
  

If you can’t move the documents folder out of OneDrive, this error can also occur due to OneDrive sync issues. To solve this, try unlinking and then re-linking your OneDrive account. Remember, you will not lose any data in the process.

7. Run the System File Checker (SFC scan)​

• Press Windows + S and type cmd.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
• In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete and fix any detected issues.

Running the System File Checker scans and repairs any corrupted system files, which may resolve your problem.

8. Turn off OneDrive Backup Before Unlinking​

• Open OneDrive settings by clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• Go to the Backup tab and turn off the folder backup for Documents, Pictures, etc.
• Unlink your OneDrive account.
• Manually move the folders to the desired location.

Turning off OneDrive backup before unlinking ensures that the folders are not tied to OneDrive, allowing you to move them freely.

By following these solutions, you should be able to successfully move your folders without encountering issues.