GitHub Desktop Creates a Nested Repository Folder

Symptom

Using Add local repository → create a repository to turn C:\dev\SecureNomad into a repository created a new subfolder containing only .gitattributes:

C:\dev\SecureNomad\SecurNomad\      ← 1st attempt (typo in Name)
C:\dev\SecureNomad\SecureNomad\     ← 2nd attempt (same result after changing Local path)

Cause

The create a repository dialog creates a new [Name] folder inside [Local path] and creates .git there. It does not turn an existing folder into a repository.

Fix (what was actually done)

1. In File Explorer, check View → Show → Hidden items
2. Cut the .git folder and .gitattributes from C:\dev\SecureNomad\SecureNomad\
3. Paste them one level up into C:\dev\SecureNomad\
4. Delete the now-empty SecureNomad subfolder
5. In GitHub Desktop, Remove the old entry → add C:\dev\SecureNomad with Add local repository
6. Commit all files in the Changes tab

Simpler way

If Git for Windows is installed, create the repository from the terminal:

cd /d C:\dev\SecureNomad
git init -b main

Then just add it in GitHub Desktop with Add local repository.