Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

my Mac Air desktop got erased somehow

how do i find/get back all those folders?


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Apr 17, 2023 4:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 19, 2023 1:37 AM

If you don't have a backup of your files, it may be challenging to recover them. However, you can try the following steps:

 

1. Check your iCloud account: If you have enabled iCloud Drive on your Mac, you may be able to recover some of your files from there.

 

2. Check the Trash: If you deleted your files recently, they may still be in the Trash folder. Open the Trash folder and check if your files are there. If you find them, simply drag them back to the desktop or the folder you want to restore them to.

 

3. Use Time Machine: If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, you can use it to restore your files. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac, and follow the instructions to restore your files.

 

4. Use Data Recovery Software: If you don't have a backup or Time Machine, you can use data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery or Disk Drill to scan your Mac's hard drive and recover your files. These software tools are designed to recover lost, deleted or formatted files, and allows you to retrieve some or all of your lost data.

 

It's important to note that data recovery is not always successful, especially if the files have been overwritten or if the hard drive has been physically damaged. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a backup of your important files to avoid losing them in the event of a hardware failure or other issue.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 19, 2023 1:37 AM in response to Barbielouwho

If you don't have a backup of your files, it may be challenging to recover them. However, you can try the following steps:

 

1. Check your iCloud account: If you have enabled iCloud Drive on your Mac, you may be able to recover some of your files from there.

 

2. Check the Trash: If you deleted your files recently, they may still be in the Trash folder. Open the Trash folder and check if your files are there. If you find them, simply drag them back to the desktop or the folder you want to restore them to.

 

3. Use Time Machine: If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, you can use it to restore your files. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac, and follow the instructions to restore your files.

 

4. Use Data Recovery Software: If you don't have a backup or Time Machine, you can use data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery or Disk Drill to scan your Mac's hard drive and recover your files. These software tools are designed to recover lost, deleted or formatted files, and allows you to retrieve some or all of your lost data.

 

It's important to note that data recovery is not always successful, especially if the files have been overwritten or if the hard drive has been physically damaged. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a backup of your important files to avoid losing them in the event of a hardware failure or other issue.

my Mac Air desktop got erased somehow

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.