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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

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 24, 2017 6:25 AM

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.

  1. From your Mac, go to Apple menu User uploaded file > System Preferences > iCloud.
  2. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
  3. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
  4. Click Done.
5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

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.

  1. From your Mac, go to Apple menu User uploaded file > System Preferences > iCloud.
  2. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
  3. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
  4. Click Done.

Mac desktop icons are missing

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