Windows 10: Why did I lose files after turning off OneDrive syncing for several of the folders?

Very unhappy with how OneDrive operates. My wife and I both have separate OneDrive emails but our account is linked. Noticed earlier this year that files from her computer were showing up on mine and vice-versa. I turned off sync for several of my folders desktop, documents, etc but noticed today that a few folders from my desktop were missing. I couldn't find them so I went and checked what my OneDrive settings were. It showed that syncing was turned off for the options I had chose before so I went to my wifes computer and checked but didn't see the files. I looked in the recycle bin

:)

 

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

 

How does Windows 10 conversion setup offline OneDrive files by default


When I migrate to Windows 10,

• Placeholders will be deleted from my local OneDrive folder.
• Per folder selective sync will be available.

But that leaves a question…

• Will per folder selective sync be turned OFF by default at conversion?
  • This means offline files on the local OneDrive folder will be orphaned.
  • Therefore, to avoid confusion, I’d need to either (a) delete them since they’re available online and since sync is off, or (b) turn on selective sync for the folder they’re in and sync all files in the folder, or (c) do nothing if OneDrive automatically deleted them in the conversion.

• Or, will per folder selective sync be turned ON by default for folders that have offline files in them, syncing all files in such a folder?

• Or, will OneDrive try to sync all folders to my local OneDrive, overwhelming the smaller drive on my laptop?

It seems to me this would be important to know, but I've not been able to find anything on it.

 

OneDrive Sync altered many desktop files

Q1) Sure, you can select to turn on or off sync for folders.

Choose Folders for OneDrive Selective Sync in Windows 10

The check marks are part of OneDrive On-demand.

Turn On or Off OneDrive Files On-Demand in Windows 10

Turn On or Off OneDrive Cloud States for Navigation Pane in Windows 10

Q2) There's no need to try and sync the General.one folder unless you just wanted to. I thought it may have been part of the Documents folder contents you said wasn't fully syncing yet.

Q3) Correct. Only a copy of the files from your PC will be copied to your online OneDrive, and kept synced for changes.