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OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service integrated into Windows 11. Sometimes, users notice that OneDrive opens two instances, which can be confusing and interfere with normal use.

This issue may cause duplicate icons in the taskbar or multiple OneDrive windows opening at the same time. Fortunately, fixing it is usually straightforward.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step instructions to resolve the problem of OneDrive opening two instances on your Windows 11 PC.

Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with Windows settings, these steps will help you fix the issue quickly and safely.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Ensure your Windows 11 and OneDrive app are up to date. Software updates often fix bugs like this.
• Check if you have multiple user accounts signed into OneDrive. This might cause multiple instances to open.
• Restart your computer before starting the troubleshooting steps to clear temporary glitches.
• Keep your login credentials handy, as you may need to sign back in to OneDrive.

Step 1: Close All OneDrive Instances

Before making any changes, it is important to close all running OneDrive processes. This ensures that no conflicting instances remain open when you try to fix the issue.

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar). If you don’t see it, click the arrow to show hidden icons.
2. Select Close OneDrive or Exit from the menu.
3. If the icon is missing, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
4. In Task Manager, scroll down to find any OneDrive.exe processes, click each one, and then click End task.

Closing all OneDrive processes ensures that when you restart OneDrive, it opens only once.

Step 2: Disable OneDrive from Startup and Re-Enable

Sometimes OneDrive is set to start multiple times via Windows startup, causing two instances to open. Disabling and re-enabling it can fix this.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab at the top.
3. Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list.
4. Right-click it and select Disable.
5. Restart your computer.
6. After the restart, go back to Task Manager > Startup tab.
7. Right-click Microsoft OneDrive again and select Enable.
8. Restart your computer once more and check if OneDrive opens only once now.

Disabling and re-enabling OneDrive in startup helps reset how the app launches and prevents duplicates.

Step 3: Check for Multiple OneDrive Accounts

OneDrive supports multiple accounts, but signing into more than one can sometimes cause confusion and multiple windows.

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
2. Click Help & Settings (gear icon), then select Settings.
3. Go to the Account tab.
4. Check if more than one account is listed under your OneDrive.
5. If yes, consider removing the extra account if not needed by clicking Unlink this PC or Remove account.
6. Restart OneDrive and see if the problem is fixed.

Managing accounts properly prevents multiple OneDrive instances from opening simultaneously.

Step 4: Reset OneDrive

If the previous steps do not solve the issue, resetting OneDrive can resolve corrupted settings causing multiple launches.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
3. Wait a few minutes. OneDrive will close and reset itself.
4. If OneDrive does not start automatically after reset, press Windows + R again.
5. Type:
   %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe
6. Press Enter to launch OneDrive manually.

Resetting removes corrupted files and resets OneDrive to default settings without deleting your files.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Kill Duplicate Processes

If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can end all OneDrive processes quickly with one command.

1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the command window, type the following and press Enter:
   taskkill /f /im onedrive.exe
4. This forcefully stops all OneDrive instances.
5. Then, restart OneDrive by typing:
   %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe

This method is useful if Task Manager is slow or not responding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does OneDrive open two instances on Windows 11?

This usually happens due to duplicate startup entries, multiple signed-in accounts, or corrupted OneDrive settings.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my files?

No. Resetting OneDrive only resets the app settings and cache. Your files remain safe in the cloud and on your PC.

Can running two OneDrive instances cause data loss?

It is unlikely, but running multiple instances can cause sync conflicts or confusion. Fixing duplicates helps keep your files properly synced.

Is it safe to disable OneDrive from startup?

Yes, disabling OneDrive from startup only stops it from launching automatically. You can still open it manually whenever needed.

How do I know if OneDrive is fully updated?

Open OneDrive settings, go to the About tab, and check the version. You can also update Windows 11 to get the latest OneDrive updates.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and OneDrive still opens two instances, consider the following:

• Uninstall and reinstall the OneDrive app from the Microsoft Store.
• Run the Windows Troubleshooter for apps and startup programs.
• Check for any third-party apps that might interfere with OneDrive startup.
• Visit the official Microsoft OneDrive support page for advanced help: OneDrive Support.

Conclusion

Having two instances of OneDrive opening on Windows 11 can be disruptive, but it is usually fixable with simple steps. Start by closing all OneDrive processes and checking your startup settings.

Next, verify your OneDrive account setup and, if needed, reset the app to clear possible corrupted data. Using command-line tools or reinstalling OneDrive are helpful alternatives.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure OneDrive runs smoothly, opening only once as expected. Keeping your system and app updated will also help prevent such issues in the future.