OneDrive deselect Desktop

This is not a solution. Updated: I know how it began and what to do to stop it [ref. 1]

I have a problem. Microsoft OneDrive went rogue and stole my data and kept them in their cloud server without my permission. The total file size was 300 GB. I tried to pause syncing so that I can deselect the folders. It didnt work. The setting was grayed out when I paused.

When I resumed, clicked on the setting, and tried to deselect or unselect any of the three folders, it produced an error Cant stop syncing folder. The folder you tried to unselect contains the Windows Document folder, which is an important folder in Windows and is currently pointed to OneDrive [Fig. 1].

I tried many things then and it didnt work:

• Rummaged through the Settings. There was nothing.
• Uninstalled and reinstalled. Same problem the setup FORCED you to include the 3 folders into OneDrive, i.e. Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders [Fig. 2].
• Tried web version to search for any setting that will stop the syncing of these 3 folders. Nothing.

Finally, I gave up. I delinked my OneDrive, deleted my folders from the web version, permanently deleted the sensitive files there. Then I disabled the OneDrive from startup. This can be accomplished by Ctrl+Alt+Del. Under task manager, click Advanced setting, go to Startup tab, search OneDrive and click disable.

I will try to get help from MS. I dont think this is a fault. It is very likely a business practice to pull data into their server so that users will have to circumvent this predicament, or pay for the space. This is unsolicited, unethical, and disrespectful business practice. What can I say? Unless I missed out the tiny hidden button that allows me to deselect the sync

The above business practice reminded me of the automatic opt-in for paid TV subscription in Malaysia. This was for all the subscribers and unless they contacted the service provider to cancel this automatic opt-in, they will be charged every month the additional unsolicited services. As predicted, that move didnt go well with most loyal subscribers and Astro TV was heavily criticized for implementing such unfair, unethical, and disrespectful business practice. Same here with MS OneDrive.

Fig. 1 MS OneDrive stole my files from Desktop, Document, and Picture folders and prevented me to deselect/unselect these folders from syncing. The error message Cant stop syncing important folder.Fig. 2 OneNote forced user to sync Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folder

Reference

1. OneDrive dilemma started with this deceptive option [//wp.me/p7PdhG-pl]