Hi,
I just migrated my old Mac to a new Mac. Worked OK, except that my new Mac shows a completely empty desktop, save the HD. Where are all the folders that were there (on the old Mac, I mean)?
I tried to recoup them with Time Machine (on the new one, of course), and I could go back to 2 days ago, but no matter what, the 'restore' button is greyed-out.
Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks.
Mac mini, macOS 10.15
No, it is not necessary to turn off iCloud or iCloud Drive.
It is just a matter of turning off "Desktop and Documents in iCloud".
First, I recommend copying the contents of desktop and documents from icloud to any other folder inside your home folder:
press command-H to open your home folder; and command-shift-N to create a new folder. Name it, say "my stuff".
Drag the contents of the Documents and Desktop folders that are in icloud to your "my stuff" folder.
To turn off "documents and desktop in icloud":
• Go to System Preferences->Internet Accounts
• Select iCloud, and click on "Options" next to iCloud Drive
• Uncheck this box:
Thanks for the detailed reply. I noticed that turning off iCloud wasn't really necessary. I just dragged the folder, photos, etc. from the iCloud Drive onto the Desktop. Worked without any problems. Will remember your advice as well, just in case. Thanks!
Turn off iCloud Drive.
Sign out of iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac - Apple Support
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I clicked all 4 options: hard disks, external disks, Cds, Dvds, iPods, connected servers. Am I doing something wrong?
Did you check your Finder preferences on what to show on your desktop?
Maybe iCloud Drive was turned on? Check in Finder Sidebar for iCloud Drive.
Thanks for your reply. Wow, Yes, all the folders are there. How do I get them back to the desktop?
Worked! Thanks a lot!
Desktop folders gone after migrating to new Mac
