Solved: Folder Moving Error – Can’t Redirect Folder in Same Location
When attempting to move a folder in Windows, you might encounter the error message: “Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected.” This error typically arises when Windows is unable to complete the action because a previous folder redirection, often involving OneDrive, is still in effect or not properly reversed.
The error essentially indicates that the folder is already linked to a different location, such as OneDrive, and Windows cannot automatically redirect it to the desired new location.
The most common cause of this issue is the integration of OneDrive with your user folders (e.g., Documents, Pictures). When OneDrive is set to manage these folders, it can prevent them from being moved to other locations or reverted to their default paths. Additionally, this problem can occur if there are conflicts in the registry settings or if another application is currently using the folder.
If you recall, you were prompted with a message stating that if you proceed with the redirection, you will not be able to restore it to the default location.
Windows is simply not equipped to reverse this modification automatically if you proceed with the redirection.
How to fix the “There is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected” error
In situations where you’ve burned all the bridges that allowed automatic restoration, you’ll need to use Registry Editor to circumvent the error message and regain the normal functionality of your personal folder(s). Here’s a step-by-step guide with everything that you need to do:
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Then, type “regedit” and press Enter to open up the Registry Editor utility. If the UAC (User Account Control) pops up, click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
Run dialog: regedit - Inside the Registry Editor, use the left pane to navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ User Shell Folders
- Once you get there, move over to the right pane, locate the personal folder that is displaying the error, and double-click on it.
Locate and double-click the personal folder in the right pane - Now, replace the current value data with the corresponding Default Value using the list below:
Desktop - %USERPROFILE%\Desktop Favorites - %USERPROFILE%\Favorites Music - %USERPROFILE%\Music Pictures - %USERPROFILE%\Pictures Videos - %USERPROFILE%\Videos Documents - %USERPROFILE%\Documents Downloads - %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
Note: Keep in mind that the corresponding registry key for the Downloads folder is {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}.
- Once you replace the value data using the list above, press Ok to save the changes, then close the Registry Editor.
Reverting the personal folder to the default value data - Restart your machine. At the next startup, the personal folder should be fixed and you will no longer encounter the “Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected” error.
