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

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jul 8, 2023 5:01 AM

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Posted on Dec 28, 2023 4:19 PM

hi, i followed your instructions and still couldnt get my desktop back. any other suggestions

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Apr 21, 2024 1:25 PM in response to neslihan135

My Macintosh HD, other folders & external drives just disappeared from the Desktop on my MacBook Pro M3 Max running Sonoma 14.4.1.


I was able to fix it by going to:


System Settings - Desktop & Dock - Desktop & Stage Manager - Show Items - On Desktop (turn ON... make sure this box is CHECKED).


When I checked the "On Desktop" box under Desktop & Stage Manager my Macintosh HD, folders, and external drives all immediately reappeared on my Desktop.


Hope this helps!

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Jul 8, 2023 5:40 AM in response to s0mething04

Just a point of clarification, does "Redownloading MacOS through recovery mode" mean you reinstalled the OS? It's possible to download without reinstalling ... I do it all the time when creating bootable flash drives. But not via the recovery panel.


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Desktop and Documents folders have disappeared

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