How do I delete files from iCloud but NOT from my Macbook?

Did you try this - Copy the files from iCloud Drive to a folder other than Documents and the Desktop. Then turn off syncing.

I was able to back up my files to my external hard-drive, then delete them from my computer (temporarily), turn off iCloud sync for Documents and Desktop, and then copy the files back to from the external hard drive. I think that is the ONLY way to prevent iCloud from storing your documents files.

I'm not sure if you have resolved this issue yet, but I just simply add a .nosync to the end of any folders/files I don't want synced. It then removes them from iCloud.

Go to System Preferences/iCloud/iCloud Drive/Options and turn off Documents and Desktop syncing. Check your Documents and Desktop to make sure all your files are there. If you have all your files, you can delete them from iCloud. If you are missing some, go to Finder, access iCloud Drive in the Sidebar, and copy the missing files to your computer. You can then delete from iCloud.

Copy the files from iCloud Drive to a folder other than Documents and the Desktop. Then turn off syncing.

That will work but why should a user risk their files? I didn't ask for iCloud to sync and store my desktop and I shouldn't have to find a workaround in order to store things on my desktop without Apple copying them without my permission. Not impressed.

Yep. I'd had the same issue but this worked beautifully. I was concerned because I couldn't see the "system" folders for Desktop (local) and Documents (local) but they reappeared after I unsynced to iCloud.

Thank you, MMM

Hi, by entering system preferences, open up iCloud and click on 'options' on iCloud Drive, you can disable iCloud syncing with Documents and Desktop. My English isn't the best, but hopefully, I helped you.

And if I don't have the space on my hard drive?

This is bull ****

Hey, currently dealing with the same problem... did you find a solution without losing your files? Super frustrated college student trying to work on homework.

If you turn off Documents and Desktop syncing it says it will delete all files on your desktop and leave them on iCloud. Completely backwards. Driving me crazy

Sweet! Seems like a tid bit Apple would rather we didn't know. Would rather we just keep toosing more $ at iCloud upgrades. Thanks a ton!

I have the same issue so moved a 2.5 gb file to Google drive. So I only use 5 gb icloud - documents and desktop. After removing said files Documents has 2.42 Gb and Desktop 164 Mb. I have no photos. The only other things are quite small eg calendar, contacts. When I go to the icloud info via Finder it says I have 4.94 Gb used for Documents !! This is the same figure I had before I removed the big folder (actually it was closer to 5.I don't use Photos.

It's really annoying you can't just delete a file from the icloud Drive without it syncing across as others have described.

One thing I have also noticed is that if I go to icloud drive on my computer it shows the Desktop and Documents folders and contents but not the sizes.

It's really annoying you can't just delete a file from the icloud Drive without it syncing across as others have described.

A bit crazy to find that software doing exactly what it is designed to do and exactly what it is documented to do annoys you - normal people get annoyed when software does not work as advertised, not when it does

If you do not want syncing software then you should not choose to use syncing software, you should use software that is advertised to do what you want

LN

I need instructions please on how to do this - do you know where I'd find those? Does this mean I can no longer keep Documents or other files on the desktop of my computer? I keep the ones I use daily or weekly there.