Mac desktop icons are missing

Question

Mac desktop icons are missing

All my desktop icons disappeared. I am using Sierra and had been working with photos and burning DVDs when the desktop suddenly changed its appearance. I have turned off the computer several times, but when it opens the line going across only goes part of the way and then it opens. That makes me think it didn't complete the process so that the full desktop isn't there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), Desktop icons disappeared

Posted on Aug 24, 2017 5:59 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Aug 24, 2017 6:25 AM in response to dwfromhaymarket

The loading bar going only part way across is normal.

Go to Finder > Preferences > General and be sure the items you keep on your Desktop are check marked.

Are you using iCloud Drive? If you are turn off Desktop & Documents:

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

When you turn off Desktop and Documents, your files stay in iCloud Drive and a new folder is created on your Mac. You can move files from iCloud Drive to your Mac as you need them, or select all of your files and drag them to the place you want to keep them.

From your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
Click Done.

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Answer 2

Aug 24, 2017 7:27 AM in response to dwfromhaymarket

I just went to iCloud and clicked on Desktop and Document Folders and all my icons that I had lost were returned. I had never really understood iCloud and never used it, so that was a surprise. I would like to read a user guide to it.

Thanks for your help.

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Answer 3

Aug 24, 2017 7:19 AM in response to macjack

Your reply worked with the few icons I put on my desktop this morning. But I would like to know if I can retrieve the icons I lost last night. Is there any way to get them back?

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Answer 4

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:48 AM in response to dwfromhaymarket

Glad you were able to retrieve them. You can read about iCloud in this tutorial and also search for other tutorials:

https://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/the-complete-guide-to-icloud-on-your-ma c--mac-48986

It is surprising Apple doesn't have a more comprehensive support topic on iCloud.

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Answer 5

Aug 24, 2017 8:07 AM in response to macjack

Thank you

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