Once you stop the backups you have to unlink. However, BERORE you unlink, backup those files in the c:\username\onedrive folder (i.e. the false documents folder).
When you unlink, the desktop now acts like a normal desktop -----> c:\username\desktop
However, the documents folder and the pictures folder still point to the OneDrive folder on your computer no matter what you do. Even just a few months ago, we could reset the documents folder to the REAL documents folder -- it really messes up File Explorer. I am still trying to find solutions this problem as the process that worked a few months ago no longer work. I do not want a solution that requires registry modifications or writing a long command at the dos prompt.
Now right clicking on the c:\username\onedrive\documents folder no longer provides a tab for LOCATION so you can choose where to move those files to the correct documents folder c:\username\documents.
So what happened between a couple of months ago when that used to work? Microsoft Updates (at least 3 of them). I can't prove that is what has caused it, but all I can say is that I need to find a new way of resetting file explorer so it recognizes the REAL documents folder You can't even pin the real documents folder to Quick Access.
The same holds true for the pictures folder. This is totally messed up.
This should never be like this. Microsoft MISREPRESENTED what OneDrive is and how it works, It is NOT a backup system, It is a Synching your computer to their server storage (which by the way, is only 5GB. Want more storage in the cloud, pay up. Also since Microsoft is a subscription, wonder what will happen to all those files that have been sucked (hijacked) into the cloud on their servers if you don't pay your subscription? This is vile
Also, everyone, you need to not store any sensitive data into the cloud. Sorry, anything that has account numbers, SS numbers, or bank statements should NEVER go into the cloud.
Instead of complaining, go to the FTC website and file an ANTITRUST complaint. It is about time Microsoft needs to provide a solution THAT WILL WORK flawlessly to unlink ONEDRIVE from your computer. That is my computer, Microsoft should not have their hooks into my computer.