I am hoping someone can point out where the issue might be. I will try to include all relevant details.
I have an annoying issue where files or saved pictures are placed in unexpected locations. From what I understand based on other discussions, this seems directly related to Library folders acting as shell wrappers rather than "real" folders, involving OneDrive and "Personal" libraries.
Online, my OneDrive backup structure is set up exactly as intended:
In File Explorer, the default top-left navigation panel lists:
The Issue with Quick Access
The problem occurs when I pin locations to Quick Access. For illustration, I'll use the placeholder username "Roger".
Say I have a subfolder called "stuff" located at:
If I pin "stuff" to the Quick Access menu and then click that pinned item, File Explorer displays the location as:
However, the folder actually resides at:
While the library location works, this setup causes practical issues. For instance, when I download a file through a browser, instead of saving to
System Context & History
I have two PCs:
I corrected that directory structure on the older PC afterward.
Could that old directory structure still be lingering somewhere in my account or profile? The new machine seems to be randomly picking it up. I have checked the registry as suggested in various troubleshooting articles, but I cannot find a way to resolve this.
I have an annoying issue where files or saved pictures are placed in unexpected locations. From what I understand based on other discussions, this seems directly related to Library folders acting as shell wrappers rather than "real" folders, involving OneDrive and "Personal" libraries.
Online, my OneDrive backup structure is set up exactly as intended:
Code:
onedrive.live.com/my > Documents
Downloads
Music
Pictures
In File Explorer, the default top-left navigation panel lists:
- Home
- Gallery
- <user name> - Personal
The Issue with Quick Access
The problem occurs when I pin locations to Quick Access. For illustration, I'll use the placeholder username "Roger".
Say I have a subfolder called "stuff" located at:
Roger - Personal > Documents > stuffIf I pin "stuff" to the Quick Access menu and then click that pinned item, File Explorer displays the location as:
OneDrive/Roger - Personal/Downloads/Documents/stuffHowever, the folder actually resides at:
OneDrive/Roger - Personal/Documents/stuffWhile the library location works, this setup causes practical issues. For instance, when I download a file through a browser, instead of saving to
Roger - Personal/Downloads as expected, the file goes to:C:\Users\Roger\DownloadsSystem Context & History
I have two PCs:
- A brand new machine with Windows 11 preinstalled (the one currently having this issue).
- An older machine upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Code:
onedrive.live.com/my/Downloads >
Downloads
Documents
Could that old directory structure still be lingering somewhere in my account or profile? The new machine seems to be randomly picking it up. I have checked the registry as suggested in various troubleshooting articles, but I cannot find a way to resolve this.
- Windows Build/Version
- 26H2 26300.9711
My Computer
At a glance
Windows 11 ProAmd Ryzen 7
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- minisforum
- CPU
- Amd Ryzen 7





