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My desktop is locked

I am not able to drag any file onto my desktop. I can access and save files onto the desktop folder in Finder but not onto the visual desktop. When I try to drag a file onto my desktop a lock symbol appears. When I right click on my desktop to create a new folder, it comes up with an error, "The operation can't be completed (An unexpected error occurred, error code -8072)" . In my user folder in Finder, the desktop icon also has a lock symbol on its bottom right corner. You should be able to see this in the image I have uploaded.


Does anyone know how to unlock it?


Posted on Feb 11, 2022 3:48 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 11, 2022 5:24 AM

The black arrow indicates it is an alias, not sure if you have moved your desktop & download folder to some other location.


You should be able to change from the "Get Info" in Control-click or secondary click menu should help you to uncheck the locked item.

To lock or unlock a file/folder in the Finder, select the file, choose File > Get Info, then select or deselect the Locked tickbox.


Hope it helps.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 11, 2022 5:24 AM in response to kirstyralexander

The black arrow indicates it is an alias, not sure if you have moved your desktop & download folder to some other location.


You should be able to change from the "Get Info" in Control-click or secondary click menu should help you to uncheck the locked item.

To lock or unlock a file/folder in the Finder, select the file, choose File > Get Info, then select or deselect the Locked tickbox.


Hope it helps.

My desktop is locked

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