Documents folder in Finder suddenly empty, turning on iCloud Drive Desktop and Documents settings didn’t restore it

Like the title says I woke up today with my documents folder empty on Finder.


I am using a MacBook Air sonoma 14.7.4.

I researchee around the issue and checked my system settings only to find that under iCloud Drive desktop and documents was toggle off. However, I didn’t think it was a big deal because my desktop folder has lots of files in there which seem intact. Anyway I toggled it back on to see if it would restore my documents but to no avail I’ve also checked my bin and there are no documents there. Coincidentally on Microsoft Word any document with the pathway that leads to my local documents folder no longer open because it’s either been “deleted or currently inaccessible“. I’ve noticed that a couple of documents are in the auto recovery folder however they do not open either so I’m feeling a bit lost and frustrated because there were quite a few items in this folder. Unfortunately, I do not have time machine either.

is there hope of recovering these items if not, is there any way to open the auto recovery word documents which do not want to open?



[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7

Posted on May 12, 2025 08:39 AM

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1 reply

May 15, 2025 08:55 AM in response to userrama

Within the Finder navigate to your home user folder (easiest way may to click on it from the Finder's "Go" menu). Then press the following three keys to toggle showing hidden file on & off. The home user folder is one folder where I know there are some hidden files/folders so you will be able to confirm you pressed the keys correctly.


Next navigate to your Documents folder to see if those missing files are now visible. Remember iCloud can play a part here as well, so you may need to turn iCloud off for this folder while checking. I don't use iCloud so I cannot assist you with that aspect on how it works & behaves.


Shift  +  Command  +  Period

FYI, period is the "dot", or " . " character.


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Documents folder in Finder suddenly empty, turning on iCloud Drive Desktop and Documents settings didn’t restore it

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