---
id: freeing-space.what-if-a-file-with-the-same-name-exists
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-if-a-file-with-the-same-name-exists
category: "Freeing up space"
subcategory: "Recycle Vault"
question: "What happens if I restore a file and one with the same name is already there?"
alt_questions:
  - "Will restoring overwrite my file?"
  - "Duplicate name when restoring"
  - "Restored copy next to existing file"
  - "Does Restore replace files?"
short_answer: "Nothing is overwritten: the restored copy is placed alongside the existing file so you keep both. Use Restore to… to put it in a different folder."
tags: ["recycle vault", "restore", "conflicts"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-do-i-restore-a-removed-file"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What happens if I restore a file and one with the same name is already there?

Nothing is overwritten. If something with the same name is already in that place, the restored copy lands alongside it, so you end up with both and can compare them.

If you'd rather put it somewhere else entirely, use **Restore to…** and pick a folder. See [How do I restore a removed file?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-do-i-restore-a-removed-file)