Why does Windows 11 now put Desktop on OneDrive?


Ben321

New member
Local time
1:17 AM
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OS
Windows 10 (and another computer with Win 11)
On my Windows 10 PC, Desktop is where it's been since Vista, which is C:\Users\MY_USERNAME\Desktop. However on my Windows 11 computer, I just discovered it doesn't have it that location. Instead it has it in C:\Users\MY_USERNAME\OneDrive\Desktop. Of course, the OneDrive folder isn't a real folder on my harddrive, but rather a virtual folder that links to a Microsoft server, where my Desktop files are actually stored. To me, this is unacceptable. I want to know that files on my Desktop are really on my computer, and not floating in the "cloud" (in other words, on someone else's computer that I don't control). I want all my files on my own physical computer, for security reasons. I do not want files on my Desktop on another computer that I don't have physical control of, because that means someone else has control of my files.

Even worse, is that this is the DEFAULT on Windows 11, because I know I certainly NEVER configured my Desktop like this, nor would I ever have. Unfortunately, I also don't know how to set the Desktop folder to be a local folder like it was in pre-11 versions of Windows. Is this even possible in Windows 11? Or does Microsoft now just force everyone to have their Desktop folder on OneDrive, with no settings to change this?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 (and another computer with Win 11)
Hello Ben, and welcome. :-)

Double check your OneDrive backup settings below to make sure your Desktop folder is turned off for this.

You'll still need to manually copy your files back from OneDrive to your Desktop.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
During OOBE setup you missed the option that said "Only save files to this PC" Therefore the location of user folders is set to Onedrive by default.
If you want to change the location of your user folders back to C:\Users\yourusername, detailed instructions are in this thread, second page, post 14
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
During OOBE setup you missed the option that said "Only save files to this PC" Therefore the location of user folders is set to Onedrive by default.
If you want to change the location of your user folders back to C:\Users\yourusername, detailed instructions are in this thread, second page, post 14
It wasn't OOBE (out of box). The computer came with Win 11 pre installed. I didn't buy a retail copy of Win 11 and then open the box and then insert the DVD to install it. It was already installed on the computer I bought. And yes it's a new computer. Not pre-owned. It must be an OEM version of Win 11.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 (and another computer with Win 11)
tl;dr version...

This is the digital equivalent of the class "bully" confronting you in the hallway, and taking your lunch money.

Not only is MS trying for complete control of our computers, but they are also making it possible to destroy all records (proof), that this complete control exists. It's actually quite clever, although evil.

Happy Halloween ~MS


At least we now know the "Wicked Witch of the West's" true identity. :scream:

Image1.png
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
During OOBE setup you missed the option that said "Only save files to this PC" Therefore the location of user folders is set to Onedrive by default.
If you want to change the location of your user folders back to C:\Users\yourusername, detailed instructions are in this thread, second page, post 14
I missed this too. Where does this appear and what is OOBE?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDA 1650 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Lenovo C32q-20
@Sammy888 It appears both on a new computer during the user account setup as well as user account setup during a clean install.
OOBE means out-of-box-experience
Screenshot 2022-10-29 235306.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
You will still be able to access files offline even though it says OneDrive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win11 22623.891
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel R Core TM i7 - 1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel R Iris R Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek R Audio, Intel Smart Sound
    Hard Drives
    C
    Browser
    Google
    Antivirus
    Windows Security/Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Downloaded MSEdgeRedirect
Searched on Google and came here. Is there a way so that the documents folder is not inside onedrive without formatting my laptop? I also got the windows pre-installed on my machine.

Tried going to the properties and changing the location but I keep running into this error no matter what alternative location I choose.
1684908417649.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Searched on Google and came here. Is there a way so that the documents folder is not inside onedrive without formatting my laptop? I also got the windows pre-installed on my machine.
There is, but the threads are all over this site which can be challenging. I requested they all be merged into one thread a while ago.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDA 1650 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Lenovo C32q-20
It wasn't OOBE (out of box). The computer came with Win 11 pre installed. I didn't buy a retail copy of Win 11 and then open the box and then insert the DVD to install it. It was already installed on the computer I bought. And yes it's a new computer. Not pre-owned. It must be an OEM version of Win 11.
OOBE does derive from out of the box but its meaning changed long ago.

OOBE is the very first boot of the Windows computer following installation [even for pre-installed Windows] during which you are made to set up a user account as part of which the question of saving files to the computer is asked [but not so clearly that people can reasonably be expected to appreciate its significance].
You had an OOBE even though Windows was pre-installed.
Every Windows computer has an OOBE.


Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
I keep running into this error no matter what alternative location I choose.
1684908417649.png

You should only see that error if you have already re-located something else to the same folder path.
Have you?
Can you browse to the intended target folder in File explorer to read it, add files to it, alter files that are in it?

I think your problem is different to what's being discussed in this thread. I think you'll be better off creating a thread of your own to seek help.

Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
During OOBE setup you missed the option that said "Only save files to this PC" Therefore the

Similar threads​

C

location of user folders is set to Onedrive by default.
If you want to change the location of your user folders back to C:\Users\yourusername, detailed instructions are in this thread, second page, post 14
Hi. Just joined. It may sound silly but how do I to go to second page, post 14?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hi. Just joined. It may sound silly but how do I to go to second page, post 14?
What she means is, click on
New Computer...So Confused
which is a hyperlink [as indicated by its blue colour]
then, on the webpage that opens, [it's already on the second page] just scroll down about a foot and you'll see
#14
in the top-right corner of one of glaskuters's posts.
or click on this #14 link to get straight there.


Best of luck,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Thanks for the quick response. I share the same concern as Ben321. I was trying to backup a personal folder (only about 300MB) on the desktop with my USB when I realized that it was taking an unusually long time. It only takes about 30sec using my older pc. Then I realized that it was backing a lot of unnecessary stuffs as the personal folder is in C:\Users\Username\OneDrive\Desktop instead of C:\Users\Username\Desktop in my older pc. I stopped the backup. I have no intention of using a secondary drive. Since I don't have much stuffs in this newer pc, I am planning to reinstall Windows 11 and hopefully I can find the "Only save files to this PC" option during installation. What do you think?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hello Ben, and welcome. :-)

Double check your OneDrive backup settings below to make sure your Desktop folder is turned off for this.

You'll still need to manually copy your files back from OneDrive to your Desktop.

Yes, I use Onedrive as I need to access files between laptop and phone. I also copy my OneDrive files to my local C users as a backup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win11 22623.891
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel R Core TM i7 - 1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel R Iris R Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek R Audio, Intel Smart Sound
    Hard Drives
    C
    Browser
    Google
    Antivirus
    Windows Security/Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Downloaded MSEdgeRedirect
I am assuming you are using Windows 11 HOME. You won't find this option any longer because it's not there anymore during a clean install. There is no need to reinstall windows, especially since you have very little data on this new computer.. If you do not want to go through the procedure in the tutorial above, all you need to do is create a new LOCAL account with administrator privileges. You start with an out of box user account that is not tied to Onedrive. Then delete the MS account afterwards.

Before you do anything, I suggest you turn device encryption off if it is currently on.

How to create a new local account
Settings>Accounts>Scroll down and click on Other Users.
Select add account>select I don't have this person's signin information

In user name box name the account. Next
The user appears in the account list.
Very Important- Make the new user an administrator. To the right of the new user name click down arrow. Select Change account type.
Click arrow to right of standard user and select Administrator.

While still logged into old account COPY & PASTE (NOT MOVE) your files to an external hard drive or usb drive
  1. Restart computer. On signin screen you will see 2 accounts. Select the NEW ACCOUNT. Windows will ask you to create a password and password hints.
  2. Your new desktop will be created.
  3. COPY and PASTE the files you saved to the external media into your new account.
  4. Once everything is correct in new account, delete the old account. Settings>Accounts>Other Users>Click the down arrow next to your old account name and click Remove.
To prevent constant nagging about signing in to Onerive , Unlink your PC from Onedrive.

Rather than uninstalling Onedrive, I suggest you stop it from autostarting with windows. Open task manager. In left pane click on Startup Apps.
Find Onedrive in this list, right click on it and select disable. It won't start the next time you reboot.

That's it, No more MS Account and all your files are now stored only on your system drive in your user account.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Thanks. Following your instructions, I.ve managed to create a new local local account (administrator) and a new desktop. I will be 'fine tuning' the new desktop in the coming few days. Thanks again(y):-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hundreds of tutorials about everything 11. Use ctrl+f to search.
If you can't find one that applies to what you want, just ask.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Of course, the OneDrive folder isn't a real folder on my harddrive, but rather a virtual folder that links to a Microsoft server, where my Desktop files are actually stored.
This statement is incorrect. The onedrive folder is a real folder on your hard drive. When you create a file and place it on your desktop, it's on your hard drive and it's ALSO synced up to the cloud. It's in 2 places.

If you were to buy a second computer and connect with the same account, you would (by default) see your desktop items but they would just be links to what is in the cloud. If you clicked on a file, it would then download to your computer and now be on that hard drive too. You can also turn off that link feature and everything would just download to this second computer too. Now all your data is in 3 places.
To me, this is unacceptable. I want to know that files on my Desktop are really on my computer, and not floating in the "cloud" (in other words, on someone else's computer that I don't control). I want all my files on my own physical computer, for security reasons. I do not want files on my Desktop on another computer that I don't have physical control of, because that means someone else has control of my files.

Even worse, is that this is the DEFAULT on Windows 11, because I know I certainly NEVER configured my Desktop like this, nor would I ever have. Unfortunately, I also don't know how to set the Desktop folder to be a local folder like it was in pre-11 versions of Windows. Is this even possible in Windows 11? Or does Microsoft now just force everyone to have their Desktop folder on OneDrive, with no settings to change this?
They do this be default because for the average joe, who doesn't bother to back things up, now their data is stored in a few places. If their hard drive dies, or their laptop is stolen, they simply by a new one and low and behold all of their stuff is still there.

It's also done for being able to easily access their data from multiple devices. It's great for me when I am at work and want to quickly look at a file I was working on at home, just log into the web site and there it is.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.

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