Windows 10: Unable to un-sync folders in Onedrive catch22

I recently built a new computer and did a fresh Windows 10 install. During the install I entered my Live credentials and I guess Windows automatically selects certain folders to backup to Onedrive, the documents folder and the desktop folders being among those automatically chosen.


I did not realize this and installed all my programs ~80gb worth of programs with some program folders automatically placed in the Documents folder. I also copied a bunch of install files onto the desktop as a staging area.


Onedrive was syncing in the background and completely filled up my Onedrive folder with a bunch of data I don't want or need to be synced. I am trying to un-sync folders that are in my documents folder i.e. program folders that is taking up all the space on my onedrive.


I went into the settings to select the files/folders I wanted to un-sync but Onedrive wouldn't complete the request since it was trying to sync the folder. My Ondrive is now full and I'm getting warnings that the drive is full. I went to the settings to unselect the folders but still Onedrive won't move on since there is a sync problem.

I tried pausing the sync so that I could change the folders that I wanted sync'd but that completely disables the "settings" options where you can change the folders.


I went to Onedrive online and erased the unwanted folders on the web and quickly tried to unselect the folders in Windows but Onedrive still wouldn't let me.


I tried un-linking Onedrive completely but that disabled the "choose folders" option in the Onedrive settings.


Not realizing that the Onedrive folder's Desktop and Documents folder in File Explorere are DIRECTLY tied to your desktop's Desktop and Documents folder, I deleted them from the the Onedrive folder in File Explorer. Since the files were so big, it did not go to the recycle bin and just deleted it. Gone! A days worth of installing and configuring programs...gone!


So I spent another day cleaning the drive, re-installing windows and re-installed all my programs. I purposely did not activate my Windows license until I had everything installed. I then activated my Windows license and put in my Live credentials and Onedrive automatically started syncing again!!!! Now Onedrive is once again stuck trying to sync my program files.


How the hell do I stop this stupid loop???

:)

 

Microsoft turns on shared folder sync for OneDrive

Source: Allow folders to be shared/co-owned with access/sync the same for all co-owners - Feature Suggestions for Microsoft OneDrive

 

Unable to find photographs in OneDrive

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you are unable to see the Photographs that are uploaded in OneDrive. I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and check if you are able to find the files:

1. Login to
   https://onedirve.live.com with your Microsoft account.
   
2. Check for the folders or files that are uploaded.
   

If you are unable to find the photographs, I suggest you to get in touch with the OneDrive support team.

Sign in to OneDrive.com from any browser, click the ‘?’ help icon on the top banner of the page and select
Email OneDrive support. Submit your question and follow the prompts to request support.

Hope it helps.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

One Drive Sync Folders.

Please pardon me but is is possible you haven't set them up yet to sync to Onedrive. Maybe the the first two got grabbed as defaults?

• How to Choose Folders for OneDrive Selective Sync in Windows 10