Everything on My Desktop Disappeared on Mac [Fixed Step by Step]

[@ClaudioLessa1955]

Hi! Can you provide a solution for a very annoying problem? Whenever you have any windows opened on your Mac desktop and you click on an empty portion of the screen, the windows will run away from the screen and the screen will show a dark line rectangle on the edges. If you click again, they come flying back in. How do you disable this annoying feature? Thank you! All the best, Claudio Lessa - in Winter Park, FL.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! Check and adjust Hot Corners by navigating to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners and setting all corners to - (None). Then, in System Settings > Trackpad (or Mouse), under More Gestures, disable the Show Desktop gesture. Lastly, review Keyboard Shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Mission Control, and uncheck or change the shortcut for "Show Desktop." These steps will stop the desktop from hiding your windows unexpectedly.

[@nelliloves]

OH MY GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH I ACTUALLY THINK MY HEART SKIPPED A BEAT OR TWO

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to hear that!!! Please subscribe our channel.

[@gladysklip6984]

Hi and what if neither of the methods worked? I've done it all but my icons on my desktop haven't come back. Thank you in advance!

[@nancys.island]

Yes - I'm having a hard time finding something that works, too! I've tried all these but nothing helped. Not sure what else to do.

[@KikuDay]

My folders have not disappeared but their content has. Even folders with many subfolders.. all the folders are there but not the content. Do I repair it the same way?

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

No. Your issue is different from the one explained in the video.

[@sudeepthapa3529]

hi Kiku, are i have same issue, did you find any solution ?

[@judilynne3184]

Your video literally saved the day ... and you have a new subscriber!!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped! Please subscribe our channel.

[@BrookesBuys]

First solution worked! Thanks a million!! So well spoken

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped!

[@mr.dude1338]

this is one of the best videos for these troubles thx so much

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome! Please subscribe our channel.

[@SpiralJucifer]

I know this is an old video, but I'm hoping to get some help. The last time I updated my OS, everything on my desktop vanished and my Mac was stuck with a spinning beach ball while trying to recover everything from icloud. However, my icloud capacity was too low to backup my desktop, so nothing restored. Were my files put in the trash and deleted during the update? If so, how can I restore them? Long ago, I used disk warrior to recover files in a similar situation, but I'm thinking there may be an easier way this time. Any help would be very appreciated!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! I would recommend trying data recovery software such as Recoverit unfortunately data recovery is never guaranteed especially with a situation like you mentioned but it is worth trying if the data is important.

[@SpiralJucifer]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware Thanks for replying even though this video is from awhile ago. I'm going to try the approaches shown in the video and if that doesn't work, recovery software is next.

[@graciemann3786]

help when I was moving files from one folder to another by dragging and dropping, I let go to drop and they just disappeared! they're not in their original folder neither the one I was trying to move them to or trash! Ive been through the finder app many times and still nothing. I don't know where else to look!

[@nickralph6449]

You are the man, everything literally came back immediately

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Good to hear that Nick. Don't forget to subscribe our channel.

[@valendvs]

Hello! All my documents that I had on my desktop disappeared and now the desktop can’t open because the original item can’t be found. The desktop doesn’t let me save documents in it and when I want to send something through air drop it won’t receive it.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi Valentina Diaz-Varela, Have you tried all the techniques mentioned in the above video? Please execute them one by one and let us know if the issue persists after that.

[@valendvs]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware yes, I have tried everything

[@patrickhines4853]

Hello there. I could use some help. I have an SD card that i have store many of my work files on. One day I decided to put that same SD card in my MAC computer. IDK what happened but when I put the SD card in back in my PC, there is a .Spotlight-v100 file that leads to another file named Store-v2 which leads to nothing. Meanwhile, I dont see any of my files. My computer shows that my drive is near capacity (which is accurate with my work files) but I dont see them to access them. Can you help me? Thank you in advance. Aslo, all my files were created and stored on PC originally.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! First I would recommend checking on your mac computer by opening up finder and go to your USB root folder then press CMD + Shift + > to reveal hidden files, showing the trash folder. If that doesn't work I would recommend trying data recovery software to attempt to recover your files.

[@patrickhines4853]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware thank you for your response. When I follow these steps, do have the as card installed or no?

[@calvinjenkins8683]

Really great tutorial. I’ve been digging for this info for 2 days. Can you give a bit more info in regards to a different situation for missing folders on desktop still after following your steps to retrieve files after going into iCloud drive and disabling iCloud drive sync for desktop & doc folders?

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Desktop files disappeared. In Finder mode, went to "GO" and then home icon then clicked on "Desktop" and the desktop files all reappeared on the desktop. Cool! Thank you so much from East CAnada.

[@dulcesoto5259]

Thank you so so much for helping me get my desktop back! I was able to restore my desktop within 2 minutes into your video and I REALLY APPRECIATE that! Other videos take forever to get to the helpful parts of the video. I liked and and am now subscribed! Thank you!!

[@ughhh.maryam]

Hii This isn't the problem I am facing actually I just followed a tutorial and my mac and now I don't understand what to do i cant see anything on my screen only my wallpaper and my keyboard is also not working I can only adjust the brightnes,turn my mac off or restart I am in a big trouble can you guide me if u understood me???

[@enaenulka]

Thank you!!!! I stopped breathing when I found my desktop empty! Worked magic!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

It feel good to hear that!! Please subscribe our channel.

[@nicholhahn425]

Had a minor stroke. Thanks for helping resolve the issue and quickly.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome Nichol. Please subscribe our channel.

[@tomm9493]

I watched quite a few videos, but you were the only one who offered the solution to all of my icons suddenly disappearing from my desktop in less than 2 min. Awesome! Thank you VERY VERY much!!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to hear that

[@kn4125]

Phew! Thank you, lovely man, lovely calm voice.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Thanks for listening!!!

[@robertrammullen6935]

Ive done nothing like you say I am simply watching videos then i noticed a flash on my screen the size of a thumbnail doc it appears then disappears in a flash this time i seen the doc it is like something is happening in the background why?

[@AbstractMan23]

Any idea why my desktop on my iMac suddenly went blank? I'm using iCloud. I went into Option in iCloud Drive and saw that strangely the Desktop & Documents was unticked. So I ticked it, and now it's all come back. But why did everything vanish for no reason??

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! It's possible that the sudden disappearance of your desktop on your iMac could be related to a sync problem with iCloud. When the "Desktop & Documents" option is unchecked in iCloud Drive settings, files on the desktop are not synced to iCloud, resulting in them seemingly vanishing. By ticking the option again, the files were restored as they were downloaded from iCloud. The exact reason for the option becoming unchecked could be a glitch in the sync process or unintentional user action. If the issue persists, consider contacting Apple Support or seeking assistance from a technical expert for further investigation.

[@clionaphotography3760]

For some reason safari is still in the menu bar of my MacBook Pro and when I use safari the black dot appears underneath it but the actual safari icon is missing . Last night it was their but then I woke up this morning and it’s gone . How do I get the actual icon back .

[@youssefsami7718]

Hi, I pressed relaunch finder then all of the desktop things disappeared. When I try to acces the iCloud it just keeps loading and doesn’t open

[@Topper311]

If the lectures was like this in universities we all can make it, your explanation is so easy to understand.

[@imanfatima8739]

Sir i've lost my complete data from mac after doing some terminal commands (rm -rf $HOME /Library/Application\Suppert/Code & then rm -rf $HOME / .vscode). My files and folders are not there. How can iI fix this?...is there anyway? kindly help me.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! Unfortunately, there is no straightforward way to recover them from the command line. However, you can try checking the Trash for deleted files or restoring them from a Time Machine backup. If those methods fail, you can explore data recovery software such as Recoverit or consider professional data recovery services. Remember to avoid using your Mac to prevent further data overwriting, and exercise caution when executing terminal commands to avoid unintended consequences and data loss in the future.

[@imanfatima8739]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware Thanks a lot Sir😞

[@wanej3922]

Life saver!! Power went off at my house. When the power came back it was quite unstable, then I noticed everything on my desktop disappeared. Lucky enough I found this video! The iCloud setting was turned off but I never changed that setting. Maybe it's the Big Sur update...I had it downloaded but not yet installed. Anyway, I have no reason to leave without subscribing :)

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Good to hear that.

[@John3.16kez]

What happens if i go to the options for icloud in my system settings and the desktop and documents folders is already unchecked ? I still have the files missing . Where could they be?

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! If you've unchecked the "Desktop & Documents Folders" option in iCloud settings on your Mac and are still missing files from your Desktop and Documents folders, first ensure that iCloud Drive is enabled in your Apple ID settings, check iCloud Drive and the "Recently Deleted" folder for your files, and verify your internet connection. If your files aren't in iCloud, consider checking Time Machine backups, local backups, and using Spotlight or Finder to search for them on your Mac. You can also log in to iCloud.com to see if the files are accessible there.

[@martinetienne1446]

Thanks from France. You saved my day!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

You're welcome! Please hit the subscribe button.

[@micmac69]

On my imac. Once I clicked on Utilities then screen was different and dodn't see those options??

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, Thank you for your question. It's possible that the layout of the utility folder on your iMac has changed or been customized. If you're having trouble finding a particular option, you can try using the search function in the Finder to locate the specific utility you need. Click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the Finder window, then enter the name of the utility in the search bar. This should bring up any matching results, which you can then click on to open the utility. If you're still having trouble, you can try resetting the utility folder to its default layout. To do this, open a Finder window, click on the "Go" menu at the top of the screen, then select "Utilities." Once the utility folder is open, click on the "View" menu and select "Show View Options." In the View Options window, click on the "Use as Defaults" button to reset the folder's layout to its default settings.

[@amv.ghostzz5061]

I dont know why but sometimes large files just disappear from my finder, like I just downloaded a file and it was there a second ago but now its gone, it is still taking up space though. Can you help me?

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! If you're missing a file in Finder, there are a few things you can do to try and locate it. First, use Spotlight to search for the file by name. You can also check the Trash folder to see if the file was accidentally deleted. If the file is taking up space but not showing up, it could be hidden, so try revealing hidden files by pressing Command + Shift + . (period).

[@meganega3248]

I made the First Aid thing in the utilities and none of my icons have re appeared... I don't know what to do

[@theorganizedbudgeter1655]

This video is amazing. Helped me understand what happened and fix the issue. Thank you

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to hear that.

[@thebossofraangbeautyplus]

I was skeptical but this actually worked. WOW, thank you!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to know that! Don't forget to subscribe our channel.

[@aomf58]

Thank you so much. Great video and presentation of the material.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it was helpful! Please subscribe our channel.

[@Goat43122]

how can I fix a blue screen if I can’t go on the lock screen or the desktop

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi Steven, did you watch this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6uQo6Jup7Ktr5o Hope it is helpful to fix blue screen.

[@mariovh]

i updated my iMac with the new big sur update and all my pictures were gone ...over 8000 how can i recover them coz i did everything and i'm honest i don't store my stuff on the cloud coz my iMac has enough storage

[@lstoughton]

Great info. I was able to get all of my icons back!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped. Please subscribe to our channel.

[@harmonysoundhealing5292]

Thank you! This video helped me fix my issue of my desktop files disappearing!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to be helpful!

[@narjisd5268]

Hi when I changed my admin name it asked me to reset after it was reset I logged in and there was nothing on the screen just the background picture can you guys help me ?

[@joshr9417]

WOW, that totally saved my desktop, I was starting to freak out when my desktop was completely blank. Thanks for the video.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Thank you for your support to Recoverit.

[@CarrieByTheBeach]

PLEASE HELP! All my files and folders (desktop) went missing after update on Big Sur! Apple cannot help!Finder is missing too!,,

[@javieraalfaro1091]

I couldn't get any of my folders and documents back on my desktop :(

[@mariovh]

i lost over 8000 pictures after i updated a newer version off Big Sur

[@briten]

If there are no apps or toolbar showing, how are you supposed to follow any of these steps? The only thing on my desktop is the background.

[@gwen6940]

everything is stil gone.....

[@bavdunumar5910]

THANK YOU ! First option helped me )))

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

You're welcome! Please subscribe our channel.

[@andresmikhailvillaruel4497]

Step 1 already solved my problem! Thank you life saver!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to hear that Andres!! Please hit the subscribe button.

[@tshepangsiyasanga3968]

02:00 - This is when he gives the instructions!

[@Giacomo11258]

My problem is that when desktop icons disappear the finder is frozen too and disappears from the menu bar.

[@DJDopeGod]

when I turn off the iCloud storage my items disappear I have my items on my MacBook but the cloud icon is there I just want my stuff back onto my MacBook with out the cloud icon so I can get to them easily

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! Start by disabling the “Optimize Mac Storage” option in iCloud Drive settings. To restore the files back onto your Mac Open System Preferences and click on “iCloud”, click on “Options” then uncheck the box next to “Desktop & Documents Folders”. You’ll get a pop-up warning you that these files will only be stored in iCloud Drive if you disable desktop and Documents syncing. Go ahead and click “Turn Off”

[@geraldrich5475]

I love the way you exsplaine this perfect

[@thedavidprobbins]

And if none of these solutions work? I ask because I tried all this and it didn’t fix it. The files are still on the computer, but they all disappear from the desktop. I don’t get it.

[@dhanvirsingh5074]

THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU HELPED ME A LOT I WAS THINKING I WAS HAVING SOME PROBLEM IN MY MAC WITH AN UPDATE BUT IT WAS MY PROBLEM

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome!! Please subscribe our channel.

[@brooklynhadley3649]

I got the folders back to my desktop from iCloud but now the folders are showing empty

[@curryguru]

Hi My Mailbox with all my Amazon orders disappeared. How can I recover it.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi Saad, we have taken not of your issue and will try to address the same in one of our upcoming videos.

[@bootsybero]

Thank you so much!! Got my dock back!!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped! Please subscribe our channel!!

[@bootsybero]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware Done!!

[@funtime12345]

My Download folder is gone from my MacBook and its saying item can't be found. Can anyone help me with this?

[@Maggotmusicacademy]

Thank you so much brother.....finally I got my all folders back.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome! Please subscribe our channel.

[@SL_divjot]

It didn't work. I put something on even I checked for first aid and still nothing has been fixed. Please make another video how to fix it please.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! If you tried all the steps and still nothing works I'd recommend taking it a professional for further assistance.

[@dolfin1884]

I am trying to find a tutorial on the go button. I cannot get the go button to show up on the top of my screen.

[@tierrathetitan5253]

You saved my life! Like literally cause I couldn’t breathe the entire time I was staring at my blank desktop 🙏🏾

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped! Please don't forget to subscribe to our channel. Thank you for your like! Please subscribe to our channel!

[@jodi1957]

Thank you. You were a blessing this morning.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome.

[@tyrantmusic4187]

My mac computer is 2010 model. Keeps saying this version of Mac is not supported...now my safari has disappeared. I can't even go online to get KZbin up

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! There isnt much you can do once your laptop stops receiving updates try check your current macOS version and update if possible, or consider alternative browsers like Chrome or Firefox. Resetting Safari might help, but if your macOS is too outdated, this might not fully resolve the issue. If problems persist and you're unable to update, upgrading to a newer Mac model or seeking assistance from Apple Support could be options to explore, as older devices can struggle with modern software demands.

[@MissnScene]

OMG! I freaked out recently and this helped save me - THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@zinko3258]

all my folders are gone, I did your methods but they are not back.

[@kylesoto2504]

I'm in the same boat.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Zinko & Kyle, sorry to hear that. You can try repairing the installed OS or do a system restore.

[@zinko3258]

@@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware how do i do that?

[@Bluefox1978]

None of your tips worked! I still get the message: The operation can't be completed An unexpected error occurred (error code -8072). OK I have reinstalled a couple of times but the problem persists

[@anaandthomas5166]

None of these worked for me, icons gone and apparently desktop folder is gone as well, along with documents folder, beware catalina

[@supremeduff]

Dude I thought my fl studio projects were over with once again thanks bruh

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Most welcome!!! Please subscribe our channel.

[@Princesspinkpink]

Thank you! my heart was racing thinking I lost all my documents

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad we could help! Don't forget to subscribe our channel.

[@DannyA3579]

Thank you for explaining. Solved my issue. Great!

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped!

[@JD1340]

Thank you. I don't know why I bother with these updates...just lost 3 days of my life trying to fix all their changes

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, Could you please elaborate on your question? We're glad to help.

[@BrookeForbes1]

My Mp4 files disappeared on my desktop on my Macbook pro. Can you please help? 😩

[@drnvinodkumar8761]

Thanks you Got my Desk top back Your vedio was very helpful Thanks 😊

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped.

[@masti2]

OMG!! Thank you very much, you are absolutely the best! Everything literally came back immediately

[@justoldog]

Do computer people stay up late trying to make computers LESS user friendly and confusing? Well, they have succeeded beautifully.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Good one

[@unrealartofstacy]

Thank you so much! Very insightful and easy to understand video.

[@cole1404]

Awesome vid! Got my files back. Thank you.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Welcome. Please stay by our side with Like Comment Share

[@afnamohammed3994]

I COULDNT ABLE TO FIND MYM LOST FILES. PLS HELP OUT. MY DESKTOP FOLDERS DISAPPEARED

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi Afna, have you tried all the techniques explained in the video?

[@afnamohammed3994]

Yes

[@marnieoflynn]

Thank you! First step done and everything is back on the desktop. Thank you!! :-)

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad to hear that. Please subscribe our channel.

[@lyesnevada]

Wtf I installed dr fone now I can't access to my pc everything is flashing & mouse waiting

[@jennifercarrillo1007]

You are the BEST I almost die when my folders disappear thank you

[@brendanvandermerwe6952]

Okay so my MacBook pro turns on, I just have a spinning wheel, no icons and not allowing me to click on anything

[@thereverendsugenasty]

Yeah, mine hasn't returned either. What are other options?

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Reinstall OS.

[@frederikjger4226]

Didn't solve my problem. I haven't lost my data I just accidentally deleted the downloads and desktop folder while setting up my Mac. I can locate the folders, but they're not existing. I think the only solution might be to restore the hardisc back to new.

[@casandralashmar3818]

Bro! you just saved my life!!!! thank you

[@AngeloVillaniPianist]

Very clearly explained and presented. Thanks very much.

[@weelil7696]

Really helpful, thank you 😊

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Glad it helped! Please don't forget to subscribe to our channel.

[@kelseaverdi4526]

holy **** thank you!!!!! got all my files and desktop back in a minute

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

You are welcome. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button.

[@Mr_Boykin]

So my Icloud was unchecked and I had to check it in order to get them back. So it was the opposite for what this video said. Either way thanks for the help!

[@kgbeatz82]

This vid helped me very well thx a lot bro👏👏

[@aviegaillandicho3541]

Still can't find the disappeared folders in my desktop :'(

[@marietesta7076]

Thank you, sir, you saved me a lot of heart ache.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Happy to help.

[@frankgallagher135]

my king.I hope you get everything you want and desire in life because you just saved mine.

[@soflarockson]

My desktop disappeared when my wife accidentally clicked on one of the settings for iCloud. I tried what you recommended here, with no success. The desktop is still blank and iCloud is turned off. HELP!

[@mightydagaofficial]

Mine is different. It's just showing white screen after entering my password

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Hi there, thank you for your question! Can you give me some more information such as what step you are referring to.

[@crissy8310]

THANK YOU so much this worked! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Great to hear! Don't forget to subscribe.

[@IamDjKsmoov]

Appreciate the clear cut. The Who what were and why clearly spoken and easy to follow step by step instructions

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

Thanks for appreciation. Do subscribe our channel.

[@MortenWork]

Thanks you save my day :)

[@roseex7935]

thanks i managed to get my tool bar and files back

[@RecoveritDataRecoverySoftware]

That's great Rosee. Stay updated with our latest videos by subscribing to our channel.

[@singrest2006]

Your a very good man…. Really appreciate it