User level: Level 1 (109 points)iCloud website if I delete from there does it delete from my desktop too? I noticed I tried to delete a few in there, but then they are off my desktop too. Any help greatly apprecited.
Thank you
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: iCloud website
Posted on Oct 27, 2026 8:56 AM
User level: Level 7 (25,466 points)Oct 28, 2026 9:00 AM in response to KODIAKGRIZZLY-BEAR_01
Please see this:
Understanding iCloud Drive - Apple Community
iCloud is a Synchronization Service. That means that iCloud Drive mirrors exactly what's on iCloud Drive on your Mac. If you delete a file one place, it is deleted on every device that is connected to that account.
If I edit a document on my Mac, then it is changed at iCloud, and when I go to my iPad, I will see the new edits. iCloud is for working with the same files on all our devices.
iCloud is not a backup. Mistakes you make are immediately mirrored in iCloud.
If this is not what you want, then iCloud Drive may not be what you are looking for.
User level: Level 7 (25,466 points)Oct 28, 2026 11:56 AM in response to KODIAKGRIZZLY-BEAR_01
You should probably disconnect Documents & Desktop folders before you turn off iCloud.Drive. That process is outlined here:
Turning off Desktop & Documents from iCloud Drive - Apple Community
or here:
Turn off Desktop & Documents Folders on your Mac - Apple Support
Then you can just turn off iCloud Drive at System Settings>[name]>iCloud.
User level: Level 7 (25,466 points)Oct 27, 2026 10:35 AM in response to KODIAKGRIZZLY-BEAR_01
The Desktop usually means a folder in your Home folder, and it may be copied to iCloud Drive. The Desktop is what you see in the background when you push the F3 button. Do you in fact mean pictures you see using the Photos app? Those are from the Photos Library which is stored in the Pictures folder.
If you mean pictures in Photos and you're using iCloud Photos, then those Libraries are synchronized-- that is, they are exact mirrors of each other. iCloud is a Synchronization Service-- it makes the Libraries on our devices exactly the same. If that's not what you need, then you may not want to be using iCloud Photos.
Let us know what your really need, and we may be able to help. In the mean time, see this:
Understanding iCloud Photos - Apple Community
You may also want to see
Basic Concepts and Terms About Photos - Apple Community
User level: Level 7 (25,466 points)Oct 29, 2026 6:15 AM in response to KODIAKGRIZZLY-BEAR_01
I would suggest that you call Apple Support and talk to a person there. They have always been very nice when I've called them, and you can let them actually see your screen, so they can help you step by step.
It's good that you have read some of those linked articles-- it will help ensure that the words you use will be understood by the technician, and vice-versa.
Good Luck!
User level: Level 1 (109 points)Oct 28, 2026 8:30 AM in response to Richard.Taylor
I go here and sign in and see all my documents in there and tried to delete them but also deletes them from desktop? How can I delete them but not off desktop document etc? When I notice I deleted for here https://www.icloud.com/ good thing I had a backup drive or my desktop would have been gone because I thought I can delete from here and no issuehttps://www.icloud.com/
Thank you for any help
User level: Level 1 (109 points)Oct 28, 2026 9:10 AM in response to Richard.Taylor
OK thanks but do not want anything in my iCloud read your link seems little confusing to me. I no longer want to use iCloud how to stop it. But want to keep my desktop and documents and photos and music.
Thank you for any help
User level: Level 1 (109 points)Oct 28, 2026 3:01 PM in response to Richard.Taylor
Thanks I am so confused stilll?
User level: Level 1 (109 points)Oct 28, 2026 3:01 PM in response to Richard.Taylor
I am not good with this stuff.
User level: Level 1 (109 points)Oct 29, 2026 6:36 AM in response to Richard.Taylor
Thank you for all for your help.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256383994