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