Time Machine

Your backups are stored in an usual format that is very hard to follow using just the Finder.

Restoring Time Machine files uses Time machine.app.

Use Time Machine to restore deleted files or older files - Apple Support

.

flying gal CAF wrote:

Need help with Time Machine - I apparently hit a button & wiped out my

Desktop files & folders. Can they be restored with a Select All to my MacBook Pro?

If iCloud drive is activated, access them via the iCloud Drive in the sidebar.

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