Set up iCloud Sync on Desktop (PC/Mac): Folders & Documents

If you want to finish iCloud sync on desktop, this article can help you. Whether you are PC user or Mac user, you can save files to iCloud from the computer.

Clara by Clara Updated December 20, 2023
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Trying to set up iCloud Sync on desktop (Windows 10). Anyone else using it on a PC? Any tips or tricks to make sure it runs smoothly? Running into a few hiccups and could use some advice!

- Question from Reddit

Can I Sync My Desktop to iCloud?

Sure! iCloud provides a convenient synchronization service. By logging in to the same account, you can sync desktop with iCloud, so that you can seamlessly access files and folders across various devices, including Windows PCs and Mac computers.

icloud sync desktop

A significant advantage of this feature is that any changes you make, such as adding, deleting, or modifying files on one device, are immediately reflected on the desktop of other connected devices. This real-time synchronization ensures your files are constantly updated and mirrored across all your devices.

If you want to easily share and access your desktop files across multiple devices, then read on.

How to Get Desktop to Sync to iCloud (PC and Mac)

To sync desktop to iCloud, you need to make sure you are logged into your iCloud account and have the corresponding option enabled in settings. Now you can follow the steps below to set up iCloud desktop synchronization to keep your files synchronized and updated.

How to Save Files to iCloud from PC

For Windows PC users, if you want to sync iCloud with desktop documents and folders, we recommend a useful software to you. FoneTool is a professional iCloud data and iCloud Drive data management. It provides the services of uploading, downloading, deleting data between your iCloud and Windows PC.

FoneTool offers a consistently stable file management process with a USB cable. Providing a more reliable experience and convenience way compared to managing files on iCloud's official web page (You can browse through this method at the end of the article). With FoneTool, all your iCloud data can be securely transferred in a highly secure environment.

laugh FoneTool combines more features in one:

enlightened User-Friendly Interface: The interface is clear and user-friendly, making it easily understandable even for first-time users.

enlightened High-Speed Transfers: Benefit from swift file transfers, allowing you to rapidly upload files to iCloud or download data from iCloud to your PC. For example, the upload of 100 photos can be completed within just 3 minutes.

enlightened Versatile File Support: It supports you to share photos, contacts, videos, notes, iCloud Drive folders and documents.

enlightened Different Apple ID Synchronization: FoneTool facilitates the seamless transfer of iCloud data between different Apple IDs with one click. You can also merge iCloud accounts.

Now, free download FoneTool and follow the detailed guide to set up iCloud sync on desktop.

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Step 1. Open FoneTool, choose My iCloud > Sign in with your iCloud account > After confirmation, tap Manage iCloud.

icloud sync desktop

Step 2. Choose the files icons that you want to sync to your iCloud > FoneTool allows you to browse all files, you can also choose Select All to move data at once > Then tap Upload button.

icloud sync desktop

You may also want to learn how to save iCloud data to your devices, you can tap Download > Set up the download settings > Then click the Download button to confirm.

icloud sync desktop

★Tips:
If you find iCloud Drive not syncing Windows 10/11, You can tap the link to find the answers.

How to Upload Files to iCloud on Mac

If you are Apple devices users, sync iCloud on desktop provides you with a more flexible, convenient, and secure way to access and manage files. You can seamlessly sync files between Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices.

Check below steps to sync Mac desktop to iCloud:

Step 1. Go to the Apple menu on your screen > Choose System Preferences from the dropdown menu.

Step 2. On the right of your Apple account name, tap your name or Apple ID option.

Step 3. Locate the iCloud section to access your iCloud settings.

Step 4. Then you will see a menu > Ensure that the iCloud Drive option is checked > Tap Options to proceed further.

Step 5. Select Desktop & Documents Folders > Tap Done to save your changes.

FAQs on iCloud Sync on Desktop

You may be interested in the below question:

1. How to upload/download iCloud files on iCloud.com (PC & Mac)

If you want to use the official iCloud webpage to upload or download your files, you can follow the steps below. Note that this process requires you to have a stable network condition, and the file transfer speed depends on the file size and network speed. If it is a large file and numerous files, we recommend you use the above method.

Step 1. Open a browser and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2. Sign in to your Apple ID to access your iCloud.

Step 3. Download files you need to the computer, you can choose Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, iCloud Drive or other files.

icloud sync desktop

2. What happens if I exceed my iCloud storage limit with desktop sync?

Your desktop sync will pause if your iCloud storage is full. If you exceed your iCloud storage limit, you'll need to upgrade your storage plan or manage your storage by deleting unnecessary files. You can use FoneTool to delete iCloud files.

3. How secure is iCloud sync for desktop files?

iCloud uses encryption to secure your desktop files during sync. Ensure that you use a strong Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

4. Are there any file size limits for iCloud sync on the desktop?

While there's no explicit file size limit, larger files may take longer to sync, especially if you have limited internet bandwidth. Ensure a stable internet connection for efficient syncing.

Conclusion

After reading the above article, you already know how to set up iCloud sync on desktop. Whether you are a Windows PC user or a Mac user, combined with the above steps, you can synchronize files between iCloud and your desktop.

By the way, FoneTool can not only help you manage your iCloud files on PC, it also supports you transfer and backup data between PC and iOS devices, or iPhone and iPhone. For example, you can transfer photos from iPhone to PC with a super fast speed.  

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