All desktop files hidden after Monterey update

Hi, All my desktop files disappeared after the Monterey 12.1 update. I am trying to understand how to find them and put them back on the desktop by reading these responses, but I am an old lady and can't always follow. I went into Finder and I see that the "iCloudDrive" is checked. However no other screens drop down on my desktop computer. Would it be possible to share step by step instructions on how to get my desktop files back on my desktop? (I tried to set up an appointment with Apple and after going through all the steps they said that they couldn't do it.)

Grrr. Thank you!

When I upgraded to Monterey on my Macbook it didn't have enough space for the OS to install. So I used my external HD to be able to update. But after the successful update, when I try finding ALL my files in the external drive that is 7TB big, I could not find them anymore! I found that big file in the DISK UTILITY that it is in the APFS Date Volume which I have no way to access (at least to my limited knowledge). I have all my LIFE's file (pictures, videos, document etc) in that memory! I'm panicking! I need it retrieved. PLEASE HELP!

Just updated to 12.2.1 and I am having the same issue with nothing appearing on my desktop itself for easy access I see the files in my folders inside of finder but the desktop is just barren. I am unsure of what was done with the update or how to correct that.Mind you that even this screen shot shows up in the actual desktop folder as well so I know that the desktop is active and is being updated.

everything is already mirrored in my finder folder I can see everything that was put on my desktop in the finder folder as you can see in the screenshot, but the actual desktop itself has no icons all of the were erased from it, so I have no folders out in the open any longer. I also see everything that is a 1 for 1 of my desktop layout in the Icloud folder so I know that it has synched and was downloaded after the update. I am just lost on why the folders were deleted from the physical desktop, and how to get them to reappear short of dragging them back out onto it.

The disk access I have hasnt changed either since I have had the Macbook, I looked into it and everything that needs disk access is granted it, I have no external drives for this machine with me either, it is just PDF files that I have and some work related stuff that is on my desktop.

The folder and documents are already in iCloud Drive and are active as it shows in one of my previous screenshots. The problem is just that after the update the entire desktop was wiped clean. Prior to the update I ensured everything was backed up and I even checked to make sure I still have access to the files, which I do. So I am trying to figure out what other setting for the local account on the laptop we’re flipped.

So I tried that as I got home today and still nothing, it gives me an error saying that it is already synched with photos even though I have both photos and desktop turned on. I am at a little bit of a los so I am just going to try and copy the folder onto the desktop again.

I found my desktop and several other important files in the trash. Not sure what to do.

Just updated to Monterey but when I save photoshop files, the file is saved to a folder I can't access

You don't need the xhift+Command+(.) keystroke if you include the iCloud drive in the Finder's sidebar for easy access:

You can also configure iCloud to have a folder synced w/iCloud so you have the folder contents on your Mac as well as in iCloud.

Go here in System preferences and click on this button:

Then uncheck this ehckbox and follow the intructions:

OPS! I don't think this is my problem...

I'm getting this error when I try to open a file using an application:

I have Monterey OS, with cloud drive documents option turned off , but they still go there first. I can't even find them locally.