MacBook Pro desktop files disappear and reappear randomly

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro desktop files disappear and reappear randomly

A few weeks ago, all of my located on my desktop disappeared, both on the desktop and within the desktop folder in finder. However, a spotlight search of a file by name would find the file and indicate that it was there. I do not have multiple desktops.

When restoring the files from timemachine, timemachine would ask if I wanted to replace the existing files or keep both; again, indicating that the files where there, but not visible.

The next day, the original files reappeared.

This has happened multiple times. Apple Support has been unable to help make the files reappear or keep it from happening again.

I'm running the latest version of the Mac OS.

On one occasion, all of my Document files disappeared and then reappeared.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Jan 3, 2025 7:54 AM

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Answer 1

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,034 points

Jan 4, 2025 6:43 AM in response to ImissArchie

Make sure you do not have this feature turned on:

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,534 points

Jan 3, 2025 1:43 PM in response to ImissArchie

I'm not sure I will be of any help, but at least I can help you provide us with more information which may help other contributors to better assist you. Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the complete report here so we can examine it for possible clues.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Posting an EtreCheck Report - Apple Community

Out of curiosity, are you using iCloud and syncing the Desktop?

Also, what may have changed on your system at the time you first noticed this issue?

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