With the external backup drive connected to your Mac, locate the Time Machine icon within the macOS menu bar, as shown within Figure A.įigure A Mac users can access Time Machine from the macOS menu bar. Here’s how you can perform the same steps. Rather than having to locate and then download the file in question (an internet crime report), again, I recovered the single lost file using Time Machine. SEE: Feature comparison: Time tracking software and systems (TechRepublic Premium) I subsequently lost a needed file: 2021_IC3Report.pdf, previously parked on my desktop, as a result. I’d enabled iCloud Drive’s Desktop and Documents Folders backup but changed my mind before the corresponding synchronization could complete. Recently, I needed Time Machine to assist recovering from a self-induced error. ICloud Usage Policy (TechRepublic Premium) How to boost your iPhone’s battery chargeĬlean your Mac before you break down and buy a new one Fortunately, Time Machine users regularly backing up their Macs should be able to recover a single file quickly and with minimum disruption. Other times a document, download, spreadsheet or other content simply goes missing. Here's how to use it to restore an individual file. If you use macOS Time Machine, recovering a file may require only a few clicks. How to recover an individual macOS file using Time MachineĮver lose a file on your Mac? Maybe it was there but now it's gone.

Mac time machine restore files