Deleting from one but not the other
How do I stop my files from being deled on my desktop Mac when I delete them from my MacBook?
iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 12.6
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User profile for user:
Bill_T1
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Community Specialist
Hi Danno1965,
Based on the behavior you describe, it would appear that the files may be stored in iCloud. The support article Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive outlines how the feature is configured for all files stored on your Desktop or in the Documents folder. Outside of those locations, only items stored directly in iCloud Drive or set to sync with iCloud should show this behavior.
Here are the steps to disable that feature:
"Turn off Desktop and Documents
- From your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings. In macOS Monterey or earlier, choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Apple ID, then click iCloud.
- Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
- Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
- Click Done.
What happens when you turn off Desktop and Documents
When you turn off Desktop & Documents Folders, your files stay in iCloud Drive and a new Desktop and Documents folder is created on your Mac in the home folder. You can move files from iCloud Drive to your Mac as you need them, or select all of your files and drag them to the place you want to keep them."
Regards.