How can I remove the "Desktop" folder from my iCloud?

How can I remove the "Desktop" folder from my iCloud?

About a week ago, I tested the option to sync the Desktop and Documents folders, but it seems that feature is totally useless for me.

I’ve since disabled it, but now I can’t delete the "Desktop" folder from iCloud — it keeps reappearing right after I delete it.

How can I remove it permanently?

Thanks!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]




MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 20, 2025 6:18 AM

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Posted on Apr 22, 2025 11:13 PM

roaxle wrote:

Go to iCloud in your Finder and drag it out from there.

Doh! Hey, that works! Thanks!


Previously I used Command-delete to trash it or tried to delete it in iCloud web but it was then automatically re-created. Obviously "Moving" that iCloud folder out to the local Desktop first and then to the Trash did the trick that other more straightforward methods could not do.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 22, 2025 11:13 PM in response to roaxle

roaxle wrote:

Go to iCloud in your Finder and drag it out from there.

Doh! Hey, that works! Thanks!


Previously I used Command-delete to trash it or tried to delete it in iCloud web but it was then automatically re-created. Obviously "Moving" that iCloud folder out to the local Desktop first and then to the Trash did the trick that other more straightforward methods could not do.


Apr 21, 2025 1:33 PM in response to lukasz189

Here is how to both enable and disable the iCloud Files Desktop and Documents feature, and how to get the files back to where they're expected:


If you've followed that through and still have a folder around, and confirmed the feature is not also enabled elsewhere, and still can't delete it, that would seem like a bug.

Apr 21, 2025 10:02 PM in response to lukasz189

I see the same thing and I have never used iCloud Drive's Desktop & Documents feature. I just started using a paid version of iCloud Drive and presumed it related to that and have ignored that little annoyance. I tried to remove that extra iCloud Desktop folder via the Finder and also via iCloud web but it was automatically added back.


As a new thing the apps' open/save dialog boxes now display "Desktop" for the iCloud Drive "Desktop - local" for the local.

Apr 23, 2025 2:02 AM in response to lukasz189

See the article Folders that come with your Mac - Apple Support

Important: Your home folder and certain other folders can’t be renamed. It’s best not to rename or move folders that came with your Mac. Many of these folders have special uses and are necessary for your Mac to function correctly.

You can right click over documents folder in the finder and only remove fro sidebar , however if you are planning to remove the folder permanently it's impossible .

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How can I remove the "Desktop" folder from my iCloud?

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