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Accidentally deleted Downloads folder

I have an error message "“Downloads” can’t be modified or deleted because it’s required by macOS."

I accidentally tried to move my downloads folder and when it was copying the process got interrupted. The folder couldnt be moved but when I try to 'undo' or 'restore' I get the same error message.


Can anyone please help. 🙏

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 14, 2024 1:51 AM

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5 replies

Nov 14, 2024 3:10 AM in response to kaz263

Alright,


So still in the terminal, try this.


# Navigate to your home directory 
cd ~ 

# Create a new Downloads folder with proper permissions 
sudo mkdir Downloads 
sudo chown $USER Downloads 
sudo chmod 755 Downloads 

# Reset the folder attributes 
xattr -d com.apple.FinderInfo Downloads 2>/dev/null


Basically it does, is create a Download folder with the proper permission for the current user, so you.


chown -> change owner, from root to you.

chmod -> change the permissions of read, write and execute.


and xattr is special metadata attached to the Download folder.

At the end, 2>/dev/null is just sending the error if any to /dev/null which is a "void".


One thing that can be done after that is to restart the Finder, to do so:


  1. Hold the Option key
  2. Right-click on the Finder icon in the Dock
  3. Select "Relaunch"


Nov 14, 2024 3:36 AM in response to kaz263

kaz263 wrote:

Thanks for your reply.
Sadly it didn't work :(
'no such file'

You didn't type the command correctly. There must be a space between cd and ~


You have not deleted your Downloads as it can be seen as hidden in your first screenshot.

You also have other problems which are likely related. The Documents folder has a padlock on it.


Did you recently install something when you saw that your Downloads folder went missing?


Accidentally deleted Downloads folder

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