iCloud How to unsync Documents/Desktop from iCloud Drive without deleting all files in those folders locally?

[felixen]

I'm running out of space in iCloud and since iCloud Drive doesn't let you manually sync specific folders in your documents or desktop folders, I decided to unsync the whole lot via Settings > iCloud > iCloud Drive. However, if I untick desktop and documents in here, my Mac removes all files from my computer locally and only keeps them in iCloud. Super strange. How do I keep my files locally but stop syncing them to iCloud?

 

[0128672]

The steps in the Apple support article below may be helpful to explain how turning off Desktop and Documents works:

Turn off Desktop and Documents

When you turn off Desktop & Documents Folders, your files stay in iCloud Drive and a new Desktop and Documents folder is created on your Mac in the home folder. You can move files from iCloud Drive to your Mac as you need them, or select all of your files and drag them to the place you want to keep them.

1. From your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences. Click Apple ID, then click iCloud. On macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
2. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
3. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
4. Click Done.

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Learn how to share your files from your Mac Desktop and Documents folders to all of your devices with iCloud Drive.

support.apple.com

 

[felixen]

The steps in the Apple support article below may be helpful to explain how turning off Desktop and Documents works:

Turn off Desktop and Documents

When you turn off Desktop & Documents Folders, your files stay in iCloud Drive and a new Desktop and Documents folder is created on your Mac in the home folder. You can move files from iCloud Drive to your Mac as you need them, or select all of your files and drag them to the place you want to keep them.

1. From your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences. Click Apple ID, then click iCloud. On macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
2. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
3. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
4. Click Done.

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Learn how to share your files from your Mac Desktop and Documents folders to all of your devices with iCloud Drive.

support.apple.com

Thanks, I'll try this