---
id: icloud.files-missing-from-desktop-after-turning-on-icloud
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/files-missing-from-desktop-after-turning-on-icloud
category: "iCloud & iCloud Photos"
subcategory: "Desktop & Documents in iCloud"
question: "Why did my Desktop files move after I turned on Desktop & Documents in iCloud?"
alt_questions:
  - "Desktop files disappeared iCloud"
  - "Where did my Desktop go after iCloud?"
  - "Documents folder moved to iCloud Drive"
  - "desktop and documents now under icloud in sidebar"
short_answer: "Turning on Desktop & Documents Folders moves those folders into iCloud Drive, so Finder lists them under iCloud in the sidebar. Your files are still there; they now sync and may become online-only with Optimize Mac Storage."
tags: ["desktop and documents", "icloud drive", "finder"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/what-is-desktop-and-documents-folders-in-icloud", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/what-happens-if-i-turn-off-desktop-and-documents-in-icloud", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/why-do-my-desktop-files-have-cloud-icons"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why did my Desktop files move after I turned on Desktop & Documents in iCloud?

Turning on **Desktop & Documents Folders** moves those two folders into iCloud Drive, so Finder now lists them under **iCloud** in the sidebar instead of under your home folder. Your files are still there — open Desktop or Documents from the sidebar's iCloud section.

From then on they sync to iCloud and your other devices, and with Optimize Mac Storage some files may become online-only. If you'd rather keep them local, see [turning Desktop & Documents off](https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/what-happens-if-i-turn-off-desktop-and-documents-in-icloud).