iCloud drive sync issue - Duplicate folders

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Level 1

5 points

iCloud drive sync issue - Duplicate folders

Hi All

I have an issue with iCloud drive syncing from my 2 desktop Macs.

Both are running Monterey 12.2 and logged into same Apple ID

The syncing of Desktop and Documents folders is not working between the Macs, I know they are syncing to cloud as when I look on my iPhone in Files iCloud Drive I have folders called Desktop and Desktop 2, containing the relevant files from each of the Macs.

Any ideas how I can get them to sync into the same folders and hence be the same on both machines?

Thanks in advance

Simon

iMac 24″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Feb 15, 2022 1:45 AM

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Answer 1

tgok23

Community Specialist

Feb 16, 2022 7:13 AM in response to spaceboyo

Hello Simon!

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! From your post, it sounds like you've set up Desktop and Documents, and you'd like the folders to always sync.

Let's have you first check this out: Set up iCloud Drive. We're sharing it because it goes over how iCloud Drive works and does include " If you add a second Mac Desktop, you can find the files in your Desktop and Documents folders in iCloud Drive, in a folder with the same name as your second Mac. The files from your second Mac won't automatically merge with the files on your first Mac." So what you've described sounds like expected behavior.

Next, review this guide: Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive. Take a look at this to understand how it works, and what would happen if you turned off this feature. This will allow you to make the best choice on how to use iCloud Drive, and have a current access to the files you'll need.

Take care.

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Answer 2

spaceboyo Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 16, 2022 7:20 AM in response to tgok23

OK, so it's sort of working as expected.

In as so much that in the documents folder in iCloud drive on Mac 2 there is a folder called documents (named with home machine name), but that doesn't happen for the desktop, there is no folder named desktop (home machine name)

So sort of works but doesnt?

Regards

Simon

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Answer 3

tgok23

Community Specialist

Feb 16, 2022 7:42 AM in response to spaceboyo

Simon,

To confirm, yes it's working as expected.

You know how you're using the documents, when they should be updated and where you'd like to find them. We'd suggest making a test document on your home machine name, and place it in Documents. Once finished, use your other machine to find the folder in the Document file and add or change something. See if you can find it on your home machine with the changes.

If it works, this would be the path to make sure the documents that you're either currently working on can be found quickly on any device that uses iCloud Drive.

Kind regards.

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