iCloud Desktop & Documents local copy not missing but hidden

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Level 1

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iCloud Desktop & Documents local copy not missing but hidden

I got into a bit of trouble because I had the mistaken idea that iCloud could sync desktops between computers. When I realized that it can't sync my desktops, I unchecked Desktop & Documents and, as other have pointed out, all my desktop folders instantly disappeared.

iCloud then started to download the folders (200 GB), which was going to take too long. I then found copies of my folders in ~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~CloudDocs/Desktop and I dragged them back to the desktop.

I don't understand why the system would go to the trouble of downloading the missing files when there are local copies. My question is whether these files and folders will be intact?

As always, thanks for your advice.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Apr 2, 2022 2:33 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

tygb

Level 9

64,748 points

Apr 2, 2022 10:42 AM in response to oxcart

The files are not saved in iCloud.com , turn on iCloud drive and always keep desktops and documents box checked .

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Use iCloud Drive to store documents on your Mac and iOS devices - Apple Support

Get file, folder and disk information on Mac – Apple Support

You turned off iCloud Drive some of files are missing .

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Answer 2

oxcart Author

Level 1

93 points

Apr 2, 2022 10:23 AM in response to tygb

More details please. I did in fact turn off icloud driveand drag the 200 gb of files back to the desktop because it would take too long to download.

When you say "no" in answer to my question, are you saying that some of the files and folders may be missing or corrupted?

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Answer 3

oxcart Author

Level 1

93 points

Apr 2, 2022 10:52 AM in response to tygb

Thanks for the heads up about potentially missing files. I have a backup so may have lost a couple of days of chaff at most.

I don't think I will use iCloud drive Desktop: it does not inspire confidence. For example, a dotted outline on the Desktop folder cloud but a solid outline on all of the folders inside it. I can do without that uncertainty.

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Answer 4

tygb

Level 9

64,748 points

Apr 2, 2022 7:48 AM in response to oxcart

My question is whether these files and folders will be intact?

No .

You don't need to drag and drop files from folders in ~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~CloudDocs/Desktop to the desktop.

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iCloud Desktop & Documents local copy not missing but hidden

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