Download arrows on all my desktop files on MacBook Pro

pixel-taker wrote:

This is what I am seeing. I haven't changed anything, so I'm not sure why all the download arrows. These files and folders have always lived on my desktop. And I've never seen the download arrows before.

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/11354256-b38c-4d9c-9636-f8a80acf8fa9

default iCloud Drive got turned on— look for your files there.

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

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206985

Set up iCloud Drive - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204025

How to Restore Your Desktop and Documents After Disabling ...

https://www.howtogeek.com/273629/how-to-restore-your-desktop-and-documents-after-disabling-icloud-sync-in-macos-sierra/

How to find your Documents and Desktop folder contents after disabling ...

https://www.macworld.com/article/3396119/how-to-find-your-documents-and-desktop-folder-contents-after-disabling-icloud-sync.html

Finder>Go>Go to Folder>copy & paste:

~/iCloud Drive (Archive)

iCLoud Drive (Archive) - here you should find all your files 

pixel-taker wrote:

My previous question was about problems with my mouse. Now I see there is a download arrow on all my desktop folders. If I click on the download arrow it has the hands of a clock and looks like it has downloaded. Now if I double click with my mouse on that file I can open a photo within that folder. I haven't changed anything in my settings. I don't understand what is happening.

A screenshot(s) would help clarify what it is you are seeing...

Are these alias folders?

Or you using iCloud Drive - Desktop and Documents ?