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critters911 Author

Level 1

24 points

Stop Desktop uploading to iCloud

I've searched for answers in the message boards but can't find a simple explanation for what I want to do.

My Desktop icons appear to have been transferred to iCloud. I would like to keep them on the Desktop without having to download them first. I already have everything backed up by Time Machine so I don't need them taking up space on my free iCloud storage.

One answer said to uncheck the Desktop & Documents option on my iCloud account (or whatever it is), but when I tried to do it, this popped up:

If you continue, items will be removed from the Desktop and the Documents folder on this Mac and will remain available in iCloud Drive.

New items added to your Desktop or your Documents folder on this Mac will no longer be stored in iCloud Drive.

I actually did it but all my Desktop items vanished so I unchecked the option and they reappeared.

Thanks for any suggestions

Mac mini, iOS 11.2.6, 2012 (Apple: We need a new model)

Posted on Mar 15, 2018 8:06 AM

Best reply

macjack

Level 10

111,174 points

Posted on Mar 15, 2018 8:18 AM

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

To turn off Desktop & Document:

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

The language in this support topic is confusing but following the steps listed above should return your Desktop & Documents folder to your Mac.

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Stop Desktop uploading to iCloud

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