OneDrive Sync issue – merge conflicts


When working on documents synced to a SharePoint library through OneDrive, you may experience issues if you lose internet connection. This can result in merge conflicts; your edits to a file are saved separately on your local computer’s C: drive, resulting in the creation of two versions of the document: one on your computer and the original in the SharePoint library. They’ll be named differently to identify each other (i.e. your computer’s ID added to the end of the file name).

Screenshot of a document and a copy with merge conflicts
You must manually open the two versions, compare, and update the file in SharePoint. 

Other factors impacting your sync 

  • Older versions of Windows, OneDrive, and Office Suite can effect syncing, especially with the Upload Center, where files changes could be hung. Check for and install updates. 
  • Was AutoSave enabled or lost? Follow these instructions. 
  • Was the file opened in two places at once on the same computer? That may confuse the computer. 
  • Re-establish sync to the library if connection was lost.