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Desktop and Documents missing from iCloud Drive Options, how to sync iCloud Drive files to MacBook?

I just got set up as new standard user on my husband’s MacBook Air (11-inch Early 2015), it is currently running OS X El Capitan Version 10.11.6.


I want to download & sync the files from my iCloud Drive to the MacBook.


When I go into the MacBook settings, iCloud, then iCloud Drive options, there is no Desktop and Documents listed at all to toggle on or off. I tried logging out and logging back in, turning off iCloud Drive and turning it back on restarting the MacBook but it just won’t show up.


I logged into my iCloud account through Safari thinking I could download the files from there, but it won’t let me. The download button is grayed out and I can’t drag the folders from there to the MacBook’s desktop.


Why is this so hard? I have not been able to find a solution online. Does anyone know how to make this work? Thank you kindly.


The files I have stored in my iCloud Drive have all been created & edited primarily from various iPads & iPhones.


Nursing Student



MacBook Air 11″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 3, 2021 10:26 AM

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Sep 4, 2021 11:23 PM in response to gracegsx

You have created a standard account in users and groups Set up users, guests and groups on Mac - Apple Support

Standard users are set up by an administrator. Standard users can install apps and change their own settings, but can’t add other users or change other users’ settings — those functions are reserved for an administrator.

If the administrator has checked the box of allow user to administer this computer , if you log out Mac primary admin account and then sign in with your standard user account in this example screen shot its " why " when new standard user account was in creating process it acts as an admin account and in upcoming steps a pop up window appears all your files and photos in icloud .

( 1 ) store files from documents and desktop in icloud drive .

( 2 ) Store photos and videos in iCloud photos .

Even you uncheck the box for first option , the iCloud Drive sets up and desktops and documents box is unchecked , click on it will show setting up and finally get checked .

In your case if it is greyed out it means some thing is wrong , erase the hard drive and reinstall Mac OS .


Desktop and Documents missing from iCloud Drive Options, how to sync iCloud Drive files to MacBook?

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