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accidentally turned on sync files to apple icloud - how to stop and reverse it

In Finder>settings, I foolishly clicked on Sync Desktop & Documents folders. I didn't actually click the box - if you click anywhere close to that line in the window, it will automatically check the box for you.

I immediately unclicked the box and clicked Turn Off on the pop-up.

Unfortunately, that doesn't stop the process. I can see the MacBook Air is trying to move folders and files to iCloud. But I don't have anywhere near the storage required in iCloud (300G of files on MacBook Air vs 50G storage in iCloud).

1) How can I stop the MacBook for trying to move the files? I can see the progress clock - it is trying to move them.

2) How can I reverse the whole thing and put all my Desktop & Documents folders back on to the MacBook Air and remove them from iCloud? I don't know which files from which locations it has already moved.


Please give me step by step instructions - I'm not proficient.


Thanks


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 22, 2024 9:43 AM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 23, 2024 8:59 AM in response to FranzFranz

System Settings-->Apple Account-->iCloud (See All) Disable what you do not want to Sync with iCloud


System Settings-->Apple Account-->iCloud-->iCloud Drive (Turn off Sync this Mac as well as Desktop and Documents)


Also at the bottom (Apps syncing to iCloud Drive) Disable everything you find after clicking the little >


accidentally turned on sync files to apple icloud - how to stop and reverse it

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