Why are there two copies of this folder in explorer?

Understanding Duplicate Folders in Windows Explorer: Causes and Solutions

Have you ever encountered two identical folders appearing simultaneously in Windows Explorer, both bearing the same name and containing the same files? Yet, upon closer inspection, you find only a single copy of the files on your drive. This phenomenon can often be confusing and perplexing, especially when neither folder appears to be a shortcut or symbolic link. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone.

In this article, we will explore the potential causes behind duplicate folder appearances, how to diagnose the problem, and effective solutions to resolve it.

Possible Causes of Duplicate Folders

1. File System Cache or Indexing Glitches
   Sometimes, Windows Explorer’s cache or the file indexing service can display outdated or incorrect folder information, leading to the appearance of duplicate folders.

2. Reparse Points and Junctions
   Windows uses special filesystem objects called reparse points or junctions to redirect folders to other locations. These can sometimes manifest as duplicate folders with the same name and content.

3. Corrupted File System or Directory Entries
   Corruption within the file system or directory structure can cause inconsistencies, including showing duplicate folders.

4. Hidden Links or Hard Links
   Although less common, hard links or NTFS junctions can create scenarios where multiple folder references point to the same data.

Diagnosing the Issue

To understand whether these folders are actual duplicates or if one is a reparse point, you can perform the following steps:

• Check Folder Properties:
  Right-click on each folder and select “Properties.” Look for any references to “Junction” or “Reparse Point” under the “Details” tab.

• Use Command Line Tools:
  Open Command Prompt and navigate to the directory. Use commands like dir /AL to list symbolic links and junction points.

• Examine with PowerShell:
  PowerShell’s Get-ChildItem and Get-Item cmdlets can help reveal symbolic links and junctions.

Resolving the Duplicate Folder Issue

Based on the diagnosis, you can take appropriate action:

• Remove Unnecessary Junctions or Reparse Points:
  If one folder is a junction or symbolic link, you can delete it without affecting your actual files.

• Refresh Windows Explorer Cache:
  Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your system to clear cache-related glitches.

• Run System Checks: