desktopFolders on my onedrive are empty, there are no files

Endy Duong 0 Reputation points
2026-09-07T16:42:08.0933333+00:00

All of my folders have disappeared from the Desktop. I can still see Desktop icon from sidebar and on Onedrive, but all the folders are empty. all my files are gone

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Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | MacOS
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  1. Xavier-D 12,775 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-08T01:52:26.0666667+00:00

    Since this is a public forum, we will hide your personal identifiable information, and I have sent that image of yours containing your personal identifiable information in a private message so we can work together to resolve the issue. 

    Hello Endy Duong

    I understand how concerning it is to find that your Desktop and OneDrive folders are suddenly empty. Before resetting or unlinking OneDrive, please check whether the files are still stored elsewhere:

    1. Sign in to OneDrive on the web using the same Microsoft account connected to your Mac.
    2. Open the Desktop folder and use Search everything to search for a file you remember.
    3. Check the OneDrive Recycle bin. If you find the missing folders or files, select them and choose Restore.
    4. On your Mac, check Trash and restore any relevant items by choosing Put Back.
    5. In Finder, hold the Option key, select Go > Library, and check CloudStorage > OneDrive. On newer macOS versions, OneDrive files may be stored in this location even if the older sidebar shortcut appears empty.
    6. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar, then open Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and check whether Desktop backup is still enabled.

    If many files were deleted and you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you may also be able to use Restore your OneDrive on the OneDrive website to return it to an earlier point.

    Please avoid deleting the empty folders or resetting OneDrive until you have checked the web version, Recycle bin, Mac Trash, and the CloudStorage location.

    Feel free reply back to this post if you need further assistance, I'll be happy to help

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