This is how I configure iCloud Drive in the "safest" way. Note that depending on how much iCloud storage you have, and how big the storage in your computer is, this might not suit everyone. My aim is to have every file both in iCloud and on the local computer, so that iCloud acts as a backup and syncs all files to other devices, but also all files exist locally so they can always be accessed quickly.
Potential issues: if you files take up more space than your iCloud plan provides, you might need to buy more storage, or if you already have a lot of files in iCloud there might not be enough local storage to make sure they are all downloaded to your computer.
So, before doing this, estimate the total size of all you files then check you have enough space in both places to proceed.
Part 1: Configure iCloud Drive
Go to the Apple menu and choose "System Settings". Click the top icon (your name and "Apple Account". Click "iCloud", then "Drive". Check "Sync this Mac" is ON. Check "Desktop & Documents Folder" is ON. Check Optimise Mac Storage" is OFF. Click "Done", then quit from System Settings.
Part 2: Make sure files are stored locally
Bring the "Finder" (desktop app) to the front. Go to the "Go" menu and choose "iCloud Drive". You should see all the folders being stored in iCloud. Go to the "View" menu and choose "Show View Options". In the dialog that appears turn on "iCloud Status". Look in the iCloud window and make the "iCloud Status" column wide enough to fully read. This shows you whether files or folders are being stored locally or not. When an item is being stored locally the column should read "Kept Downloaded". For all important items: right click the file or folder and choose "Keep Downloaded".
Notes
If you change a folder, all the folders and files inside that folder should also change. After a while (depending on how many files you have) the status column should change.
My latest blog post: Think for Yourself: In the end, everything is just an opinion. Be skeptical, and think for yourself! (posted 2026-04-25).
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