4 Ways to Fix Documents Folder Missing on Mac [2024 Tips]

Missing Documents Folder in Finder, How to Find It?

Using MacBooks and iMacs makes you less vulnerable to data loss. But sometimes, the Documents folder needs to be added to your Mac. Here's an example of the Documents folder missing on Mac.

"A few weeks back, I noticed that my "Documents" folder was not listed on my side panel under "Favorites" anymore like it always had been. Now it is listed down below under the "iCloud" section below favorites, but it is not complete. I have poor-quality internet, so things sometimes end up in iCloud. I can see the documents if I go to "All My Files", but that is not helpful when looking for something specific. How do I get this specific folder back under favorites?"

Why Does My Documents Folder Disappeared on Mac

Keep calm if you have the same problem with your Documents folder. Check the possible causes and figure out why the Documents folder disappeared.

Accidentally removed Documents folder from Finder: You move the Documents folder but move it out of the Finder Sidebar.

Documents folder disappeared from Mac dock: You accidentally removed the Documents folder from Mac Dock.

iCloud syncing errors: The Documents folder might not show up in the Finder if there are any errors in iCloud drive syncing.

Human errors: The Documents folder gets deleted accidentally because of human errors.

4 Ways to Fix Documents Folder Missing on Mac

You can fix the Documents folder missing on Mac with these practical solutions.

Method 1. Find the Missing Documents Folder with Data Recovery Software

The quickest way to find the missing Documents folder on Mac is by using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This data recovery software can fully scan your Mac disk, which helps you find the disappeared folder easily. Besides, this Mac data recovery software can recover data lost due to deleting, formatting, partition loss, and more. It has many highlights and advantages.

Download this Mac Trash recovery software and restore the missing Documents folder.

Note: You can create a backup by clicking the "Disk Backup" on the left first. The software will recover the document from the backup image. It can prevent further damage to your disk and data, making it safer and more reliable.

Step 1. Scan for lost documents

Select the location where your important Word/Excel/PPT/Numbers/Pages documents were lost and click "Search for lost files".

Step 2. Find lost documents on Mac

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately start a scan on your selected disk volume. Meanwhile, the scanning results will be presented in the left pane. Select "Documents" and you can quickly filter the DOC/PDF/PPT/XLS files you've lost earlier.

Step 3. Recover lost/deleted documents

Select the target files and preview them by double-clicking them. Then, click "Recover" to get lost documents back at once.

Method 2. Fix Macbook Documents Folder Missing from iCloud

As mentioned, you can't find the Documents folder if your Mac automatically backs up files in iCloud. These missing documents can be found in iCloud's My Documents folder. Here are the steps to restore the Documents folder with the help of iCloud.

Step 1. Navigate to "Apple > System Preferences > iCloud > Options" on Mac.

Step 2. Click on the "Desktop & Documents Folders" to uncheck the option.

Step 3. Ignore the warning and "Turn off" the automatic synchronization of your documents.

Method 3. Fix Mac Documents Folder Missing from Finder/Sidebar

If you still can't find the missing Documents folder, follow the steps to retrieve the missing Documents folder on macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, etc.

Step 1. Click the "Finder > Finder Preferences" option.

Step 2. Go to the Sidebar tab > and click the "Documents" option.

Then, restore the missing or disappeared Documents folder on Mac.

Method 4. Fix Can't Find Documents Folder on Mac Dock

If the Documents folder is missing from Mac Dock, you can get it back in the Finder window with these steps.

Step 1. Go to "Finder" and control-click the "Document" option.

Step 2. Click the "Add to Dock" option.

Then, you can easily access the Documents folder from the Dock.

Conclusion

If you can't find the Documents folder on Mac, run the tips above to regain the missing folder. If the folder is deleted by mistake, EaseUS free Mac data recovery software can help to recover deleted files on Mac.

Documents Folder Missing on Mac FAQs

Read the questions and answers below if you want to get additional help.

1. Where is my Documents folder?

On Mac, the Documents folder is typically found under the Favorites section in the left sidebar in Finder.

2. Why is my Documents folder not showing?

It might be because you have chosen to keep your Desktop and Documents files on iCloud, and that's why your files disappear from the desktop.

3. How do I get my Documents folder back on Windows 10?

To fix Windows 11 Documents folder missing:

Run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Choose Select Folder and click Scan

Find the folder and click Recover

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