Time Machine backups showing only desktop instead of updated files

My backups used to show what files were updated. Now they only show a blank window entitled "Desktop". How do I know that all of my files are being backed up. Help! I have a MacBook Air M1. I am backing up to a Sandisk external drive.






MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Apr 17, 2024 11:37 AM

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Posted on Apr 17, 2024 11:57 AM

When you enter Time Machine, Finder will default to the location from which you open Time Machine, which could very well be the Desktop folder. You won't see anything there if you have no files on your own Desktop.


Once in Time Machine, use the sidebar in Finder to select another folder, your Documents folder for instance. There you'll see files backed up by Time Machine.

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Apr 17, 2024 11:57 AM in response to MacProMichael

When you enter Time Machine, Finder will default to the location from which you open Time Machine, which could very well be the Desktop folder. You won't see anything there if you have no files on your own Desktop.


Once in Time Machine, use the sidebar in Finder to select another folder, your Documents folder for instance. There you'll see files backed up by Time Machine.

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Time Machine backups showing only desktop instead of updated files

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