Can't open files on desktop

That cloud means the files are sitting in iCloud Drive and haven't been downloaded to this Mac yet, so there's nothing on the Mac to open.

Make sure you're online, then right-click (or Control-click) one of the files and choose Download Now. When the cloud goes away it'll open like it used to. You can select a bunch of them and do it in one go. If you want them to stay on the Mac for good, the same menu has Keep Downloaded.

As for what changed: most likely "Desktop & Documents Folders" got switched on. It's in System Settings > your name > iCloud > Drive. I'd download everything before touching that switch. If you turn it off, the files stay in iCloud Drive and the Mac gets a new empty Desktop folder, which looks alarming even though nothing is lost.

Do you see Download Now when you right-click?

— Dmitry · developer of ComfortFiles

kwilsonmn wrote:

I have a Mac Air and all of a sudden I am not able to open the files on my desktop or to move them around. There is a tiny symbol (a cloud?) next to each file name. I must have done something, but don't know how to undo it. Help would be appreciated.

A cloud icon next to a file on your Mac means the file is stored in iCloud Drive rather than taking up full physical space on your computer's hard drive.

Open your icloud drive and look there.

Thanks, Dimitry. I do not see Download Now as an option. I see 4 options: "Get Info", "Quick Look", "Copy", and "Import from iPhone."

I am also not able to restart or shut down the laptop.

Thanks,

Kathy

There are 4 options: Get Info, Quick Look, Copy, Import from iPhone. Also, I cannot restart or shut down. Any other advice you could offer will be appreciated!