Is it possible to disable "Optimize Storage" entirely, without enabling iCloud Drive?

[splitpea]

The "optimize storage" configuration dialog in "About this Mac" seems like it triggers an "optimize" operation if you change the settings, since the confirmation button says "optimize".

What do I do if I want to download *all* attachments (not just recent ones)?

If you uncheck those two boxes (removed watched iTunes media, limit attachment downloads) and have iCloud Drive disabled in System Prefs, will the OS no longer delete any files behind your back?

And when applying the Sierra update, how do you prevent anything from being purged before you have a chance to update the settings?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Downloading attachments setting is done on a per-account basis. Open Mail app, Mail menu > Preferences > Accounts. Choose each account, in the "Account Information" tab make sure Download Attachments is set to All.

Besides disabling iCloud Drive, the other two things that could optimize (if you're using them) are iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Music Library. In both cases, optimization can be turned off.

There's a somewhat-related discussion in this thread.

 

[splitpea]

Thank you!