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Make sure your iMac is signed into the same Apple ID.

In System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos enable Sync this Mac and click Done.

In Photos, make sure you have designated a System Photo Library. (You can check in Photos > Settings... > General by making sure the "Use as System Photo Library" button is greyed out.)

In Photos > Settings... > iCloud make sure iCloud Photos is enabled. Choose one of the storage options depending on your storage and performance needs.

Wait while your library syncs with the cloud. This may take a while depending on your photos holdings, the speed of your network connection, and your computer.

I spent many hours on the phone, and in online chats with Mac specialists who could not solve the fact that my Mac had stopped receiving synched photos from the cloud. We jumped through loads of hoops, but nothing worked. Then I discovered how to fix it myself.

Your photos library has to be designated as the System Photo Library. To do this:

1) Open Photos on yopur Mac

2) At the top left of your monitor click photos, then settings

3) Click on the Genereal Tab

4) Select "Use as System Photo Library

Then.... if your MacOS version is Ventura 13.5

5) Click on the Apple in the top left hand corner of your mac monitor

6) Choose System Settings

7) Click on your name (Apple ID)

8) Choose iCloud (the fourth item down)

9) Click on photos

10) Under iCloud photos make sure "Sync this Mac is on (i.e. Green). If not move the slider to green, and click done.