How to sync iCloud Desktop and Documents to a new Mac

Learn how to enable and sync your Desktop and Documents folders to a new Mac using iCloud Drive for seamless file access across devices.

1. Open System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. Navigate to your Apple ID name at the top of the sidebar to manage your account details.
2. Access iCloud settings. Within your account menu, click on iCloud. Locate the Apps syncing to iCloud section and select the iCloud Drive menu item.
3. Enable folder syncing. Click the toggle next to Desktop & Documents Folders to enable synchronization. A dialog box will appear confirming that files will be uploaded and made available on all your devices.
4. Authorize the merge. Click Done to save your changes. Your Mac will begin the initialization process to merge your local user folder with the cloud-stored data.
5. Monitor file download. Open Finder and select iCloud Drive in the sidebar. You will see progress indicators next to your files as they download from iCloud to your local storage.