How do I restore the Desktop on my Mac after uploading to icloud?

I recently ticked the box "Desktop and Documents" on my icloud drive settings and my normal desktop on my laptop disappeared.

What's left is a folder that says Desktop MacbookAir (2).

When I untick the "Desktop and Documents" on my icloud drive settings I get a message I don't understand.

Please help! I just want my old Desktop back.

Posted on Oct 2, 2023 6:34 PM

Similar questions

Desktop and Documents folders have disappeared I opened my Mac to see my entire desktop empty. If I try to access my desktop or documents files through finder, I get this message: "The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Desktop” can’t be found." I have tried several fixes, including: Removing and reading the two folders on the finder sidebar Redownloading MacOS through recovery mode Doing a first aid check on the utility list Turning off the iCloud desktop and documents sync Accessing my Mac through safe mode My iCloud desktop and documents folders are also empty for some reason. The files don't exist in my user folder anymore, either. I don't know what to do. I am stupid, so I don't have a time machine backup either. All my files are in these two folders, so I dont want to do a full reset, but if that will fix the problem, I will do it as a last resort. I'm on an M1 Mac with OS 13.4.1
21296 8
Desktop is missing after Catalina upgrade. I went to iCloud and desktop folder is there but it will not open. How do I recover my files.
665 1
Desktop Folder Not Appearing in Hard Drive & User Folders - iCloud Drive Turned On I recently discovered that my Desktop folder does not appear under either my hard drive folder, nor my user folder when in the Finder. However, "Desktop" does appear in the left side bar under Favorites and iCloud sections. I recently turned on Documents and Desktop Folders in my iCloud drive. Should I take this to mean my macbook pro is no longer storing my desktop files on my hard drive? If so, will I be able to work with my desktop files while offline (not connected to a network, thus not connected of iCloud)? Thanks, Mike
1389 2

1 reply

muguy

Level 10

90,548 points

Oct 2, 2023 8:38 PM in response to falsedichotomie

If you no longer wish to sync, turn off Desktop and Documents under iCloud Drive. You'll get a new desktop and documents folders that will be empty. Your files will be in the iCloud Drive folder. You can drag those where you would like (eg. Documents to the new Documents folder, Desktop to the Desktop).

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I restore the Desktop on my Mac after uploading to icloud?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up