Finding things in Finder · When the drive isn't connected
Can I get to files I've moved while I'm away from my external drive?
Short answer: Not from the drive copy — moved files exist only on the external drive. Move back anything you'll need before you go, take the drive with you, or keep a copy in a cloud account you can open from Finder.
Not from the drive copy — moved files live only on the external drive, so they're reachable when it's connected and not when it isn't. Nothing is duplicated, which is exactly how the space was freed.
If you'll need something on the road:
- Move it back before you go. What's Using Space → Relocated (N) → Move back (or the Apps window's Moved tab for apps).
- Take the drive with you. A small portable SSD works well for this.
- Keep a copy in a cloud account. Files you put in a connected cloud account appear inside the Storage Studio location in Finder's sidebar, downloaded when you open them.
Before unplugging, use Eject fast drive in the popover so open apps can let go of their files first.