Original items for Downloads or Desktop suddenly missing

mlcanter wrote:

I am using a MacBook Pro 2020 M1. Each time I click on the Desktop or Downloads folder in Finder, I get the following pop-up message: The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Downloads” can’t be found.

I have checked that my MacBook is up to date. I am also experiencing the same issue on a MacBook Air 2020 M1 that I've used for work. Other items, such as Dropbox, Applications, Creative Cloud (listed in order under the other two items) are working fine.

I've tried restarting my MacBook(s), checked the software, and used Force Quit for Finder. Any idea what this could be and how I can access my Downloads or Desktop in Finder as I've always been able to?

Are you using any third party, there are many(?)... all places to look at Setting and your preferences

Dropbox

OneDrive

GoogleDrive

etc.

Also iCloud Drive...See if by default iCloud Drive got turned on— look for your files there.

Recover deleted files on iCloud.com - Apple Support

iCloud drive missing desktop and documents

Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

The Downloads reference in the Finder sidebar is just an Alias. You can drag off to remove and drag a new one or a different one on to insert ANY folder you have access to.

for example, I don't do Movies, so I dragged that folder-icon off and it went poof.

I did want direct access to Utilities (normally buried inside Applications) so I dragged that one onto the Finder sidebar. Then drag up or down to your liking.

they are available in Finder inside your user directory (the one with your username and the Home Icon).

/Users

your userid

Desktop

Documents

Downloads

Pictures

Movies

Music

Public

Your spouse's userid

Desktop

Documents

Downloads

Pictures

Movies

Music

Public

your child's userid

Desktop

Documents

Downloads

Pictures

Movies

Music

Public

has your Downloads folder ben replaced by an Alias?

it would look like this (note the arrow):

.

did you ever deliberately move those folders to a different drive, such as when short of space?

¿what is the date of your most recent backup, and by what method?