Fix: How to Recover Desktop Files Missing After the Sequoia Update

Solutions

If you’ve recently updated your Mac to macOS Sequoia and noticed that your desktop files have gone missing. Many users have reported similar issues, where files that were once stored on the desktop have disappeared or are no longer visible. While this can be frustrating, there are several steps you can take to recover your lost files and prevent future issues.
 

1. Check iCloud Drive
If you’ve enabled iCloud syncing for your Desktop and Documents folders, it’s possible that your files have been moved to iCloud and are no longer stored locally on your Mac. To check if your files are in iCloud:

• Open Finder and click on iCloud Drive in the sidebar.
• Look for a Desktop or Documents folder inside iCloud Drive. If you find these folders, your files are most likely there.
• If you want to move them back to your desktop, simply drag them out of iCloud and place them back on your local desktop.

2. Use Finder to Search for Missing Files
Sometimes, files that seem to be missing from the desktop are still present on your system but have been moved or misplaced. To locate your missing files:

• Open Finder and press Command + F to initiate a search.
• Type the name of the file you’re looking for in the search bar.
• If the file appears in the search results, right-click on it and select Show in Finder to find its location.

3. Check the Trash
There’s always the possibility that your files were accidentally deleted and moved to the Trash. To check the Trash:

• Click on the Trash icon in your Dock.
• Browse through the contents to see if any of your missing files are there.
• If you find them, simply drag them back to your desktop or any other folder you prefer.

4. Use Time Machine to Restore Files
If you use Time Machine to back up your system, you may be able to restore your desktop files from a previous backup. Here’s how:

• Connect your Time Machine backup drive (if not already connected).
• Open Finder and navigate to the Desktop folder.
• Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
• Browse through the backup timeline and look for the version of your desktop folder before the Sequoia update.
• Once you find the files, select them and click Restore to bring them back to your desktop.

5. Check for File System Errors Using Disk Utility
If none of the previous methods work, there could be a file system error at play. To fix this, you can use the Disk Utility tool:

• Open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities).
• Select your main hard drive (usually labeled Macintosh HD).
• Click the First Aid button to check for and repair any disk errors.
• Once the process is complete, check your desktop again to see if the missing files reappear.

6. Restart Finder
Sometimes the issue is simply a temporary glitch with Finder, and restarting it can fix the problem. To restart Finder:

• Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications window.
• Select Finder from the list and click Relaunch.

Missing desktop files after the Sequoia update may seem alarming, but with the right steps, you can easily recover your files and prevent this issue in the future. By checking iCloud, using Time Machine, and troubleshooting with Disk Utility or Finder, you can restore your files and get back to work