You open a file in Microsoft 365 only to find someone else saved a conflicting copy. Sync conflicts occur when two or more people edit the same file before OneDrive or SharePoint Sync can merge changes. This article explains why conflicts happen and gives you a step-by-step workflow to resolve them without losing your edits.
Key Takeaways: Resolving Sync Conflicts Without Data Loss
- OneDrive Sync Status icon in system tray: Opens the activity center where you see conflict notifications and choose which version to keep.
- OneDrive > View Sync Conflicts: Lists all files with conflicts, letting you open, compare, or delete duplicates.
- File version history in SharePoint or OneDrive web: Restores any previous version if you accidentally overwrite the wrong file.
Why Sync Conflicts Occur in OneDrive and SharePoint
A sync conflict happens when the OneDrive sync app detects two different versions of the same file that were saved at nearly the same time. The conflict file is created automatically as a copy with the computer name and a timestamp appended to the filename. For example, if you edit Budget.xlsx while a colleague edits the same file, you may see Budget (User-PC conflicted copy 2025-03-15).xlsx.
The root cause is that both users saved changes before OneDrive could sync the first user’s version. This is common when users work offline, have slow internet, or edit files simultaneously in co-authoring-unaware apps like older versions of Microsoft Office. Files stored in SharePoint document libraries synced via OneDrive are also vulnerable if the sync client is paused or disconnected.
Understanding this cause helps you prevent conflicts by using co-authoring in Microsoft 365 apps, which merges edits in real time. But when a conflict does occur, the workflow below ensures you keep your work without deleting the wrong file.
Steps to Resolve a Sync Conflict Without Losing Edits
- Open the OneDrive activity center
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. If you do not see it, click the upward arrow to show hidden icons. In the activity center, look for a yellow warning triangle or a message that says “Sync conflict.” - Click View Sync Conflicts
In the activity center, click the link that says “View sync conflicts” or “Resolve conflicts.” This opens File Explorer and highlights all files currently in conflict. - Identify the two versions of the file
You will see two files: the original file and a copy with a conflicted copy suffix. Do not delete either file yet. Open both files to compare the content. For Office documents, you can open them side by side in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. - Merge changes manually
Copy the changes from the conflicted copy into the original file. In Excel, you can use the Compare and Merge Workbooks feature if both files are open. In Word, use Review > Compare to see differences. Make sure no data is lost by checking all cells, paragraphs, or slides. - Save the original file and delete the conflicted copy
After merging, save the original file. Then delete the conflicted copy from File Explorer. OneDrive will sync the saved version and remove the conflict notification. - Confirm the file syncs correctly
Open the OneDrive activity center again and verify that the conflict warning is gone. You can also open the file from the web version of SharePoint or OneDrive to confirm the latest version is uploaded.
What to Do If You Accidentally Delete the Wrong File
I deleted the conflicted copy but lost my changes
If you deleted the conflicted copy and realize you need those edits, open the original file in the SharePoint or OneDrive web app. Click the file name, then select Version History. Look for a version saved around the time the conflict occurred. Open that version and copy the content back into the current file.
I see multiple conflicted copies for the same file
This can happen if the sync client was offline for a long time or if multiple users edited the same file independently. Open each conflicted copy and compare the timestamps. Merge the most recent edits into the original file, then delete the extra copies. Check the version history online to ensure no version is lost.
OneDrive keeps creating new conflicted copies
If you see new conflicted copies appearing after you resolve one, the file is likely still being edited by someone else. Ask your colleagues to close the file. Also check that the OneDrive sync client is running and connected. Pause and resume sync by right-clicking the OneDrive icon and selecting Pause syncing, then Resume syncing after 30 seconds.
OneDrive Sync Conflict vs Co-Authoring: Key Differences
| Item | Sync Conflict | Co-Authoring |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Two separate versions saved nearly simultaneously, creating a duplicate file | Multiple users edit the same file in real time with automatic merging |
| When it occurs | Offline editing, slow network, or non-Microsoft 365 apps | Online in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint with AutoSave enabled |
| User action required | Manual merge of changes and deletion of conflicted copy | No action needed; changes are merged automatically |
| Data loss risk | High if you delete the wrong file without checking version history | Low; all changes are saved in real time |
How to Prevent Sync Conflicts in the Future
To reduce the chance of conflicts, enable AutoSave in Microsoft 365 apps. AutoSave saves changes to the cloud every few seconds, so OneDrive can merge edits before a conflict occurs. Always work from the file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, not from a local copy saved elsewhere.
If you need to work offline, open the file while connected, then let OneDrive sync before you disconnect. When you reconnect, wait for the sync to complete before editing the file again. Set your default save location to OneDrive in Office apps by going to File > Options > Save and checking AutoSave files stored in the cloud by default.
Use the OneDrive activity center regularly to check for any pending sync issues. The green checkmark icon means all files are synced. A yellow icon means there is a conflict or a file that cannot sync. Resolve conflicts as soon as you see them to avoid accumulating multiple conflicted copies.
Now you can resolve any sync conflict by opening the conflicted copy, merging changes into the original file, and deleting the duplicate. Use version history in SharePoint or OneDrive as a safety net if you make a mistake. Enable AutoSave and co-authoring to avoid most conflicts entirely.