Missing files after Big Sur update

After thought - go www.icloud.com and log in using your Apple ID and password to verify if the missing files are actually still on iCloud.

Everything that is being Shown pertains to an iPhone but user wrote " I have updated my software to Big Sur on my MacBook Air and have lost all my files."

What happens when you 1 - open the Arrowed and Circled folders in picture below

First misconception - iCloud is only a Conduit to have files on the cloud so that other devices connected to and logged into the same Apple ID can access the files. Changes done on one device are reflected to all other devices. iCloud is not a Storage place to save space on the Internal Drive. I reality, a copy of all the files on iCloud are also stored on the Internal Drive for when Internet Access is not available. Then, when Internet Access is restored, the changes are uploaded to iCloud. iCloud is not like an External Drive where files are stored for safe keeping and / or to make space on the Internal Drive

Regarding " time machine back up is old " Lesson learned hopefully, especially when upgrading from a pervious version of macOS to newer version. The TM Backup can save a lot of headaches like what is being experienced now.

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive

Revert your Mac to a previous macOS version and of course, there was a Time Machine Backup done Before " I have updated my software to Big Sur "

LaraNoufSciu wrote:

Already did, I tried to restore my files from there but there are no files to restore which is weird since in my storage it clearly shows that i have more than 40GB of files

So if I understand correctly - logged in www.icloud.com and while in there NONE of the missing files were there. First question - do you have more than One (1) iCloud account ??

How and were are you seeing " my storage it clearly shows that i have more than 40GB of files " Is than on the Internal Drive or on iCloud ?? Screen shot SVP.

" Ineligible files” and “Encrypted files never seen the first category of files but the second are you referring to iPhone Backups in iCloud.