Synced folders duplicating with suffixes typically occurs due to file name conflicts during synchronization. When multiple changes are made to a file simultaneously from different devices, or if file names conflict in the target location, cloud storage services and sync tools need to preserve both versions to avoid overwriting data. Instead of deleting files, they create duplicates. These duplicates are distinguished by adding suffixes like "(2)", "_conflict", or timestamps to the original file name.

This behavior is common across cloud platforms like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive, and sync tools such as Resilio Sync. For example, if two employees edit the same offline project file on separate laptops and reconnect simultaneously, one device might upload the original file name while the other uploads the same file with a suffix. Similarly, trying to sync a file named "Report.docx" to a folder already containing a file with that exact name often results in a duplicate "Report (YourComputerName).docx".

Duplication safeguards data by preventing accidental loss during sync conflicts. Key advantages are increased reliability and version safety. However, the main disadvantage is user confusion and unnecessary file proliferation, requiring manual cleanup. It highlights the importance of clear collaboration workflows to minimize simultaneous edits on the same file. Future tools may offer more seamless conflict resolution interfaces.