SUPPORT
Support
Getting started and frequently asked questions. For screens and step-by-step instructions, see the guide; for each feature, see the features page. If that doesn't solve it, use the contact form.
Getting started
If you're new, try it with a few files first, then widen the scope.
Good to know before you start
DeskSweep copies files to the destination, verifies them, and then removes them from their original location. It is not a copy-style backup that leaves the same files in place. It also doesn't sync to the cloud or restore your whole Mac. Keep a separate backup of important data, such as with Time Machine.
Choose how the app appears
On first launch, choose Standard app (in the Dock) (通常のアプリ（Dockに表示）) or Stay in the menu bar (メニューバーに常駐). In the menu bar, you use the broom icon at the top right of the screen.
Allow access to folders
In Settings (設定) → Folders (フォルダ), click Allow Access… (アクセスを許可…) for Desktop and Downloads and select each folder. macOS requires this once.
Choose a destination
Set the folder where swept files are collected under Backup Destination (バックアップ先). External drives work too.
Decide what to keep
In Exclusion Rules (除外ルール), set rules to keep files with important tags or files you used recently.
Check the preview
Click Preview… (プレビュー…) in the main window to see what will be moved, what will be kept, and why.
Run the sweep
Afterwards, check the history and the destination. To bring files back, choose Undo (元に戻す) in the history.
Before setting up automation such as schedules (Pro), check the preview and the result manually. Automatic runs don't show the preview.
FAQ
Are files just copied?
No. They are copied to the destination and verified, then removed from their original location. This differs from a copy-style backup that leaves the same files in place. Check what will be moved in the preview before running.
Where are my swept files?
In the folder set as Backup Destination (バックアップ先), as a folder (or Zip) for each run. Select the run in History (履歴) and click the Show in Finder button to open it.
I swept something by mistake. Can I get it back?
Select the run in History (履歴) and click Undo (元に戻す) to put the files back. Zipped runs are extracted. This works in the free version too (which shows the last 5 runs).
What happens to files moved to the Trash?
Tidying installers, duplicates, and old backups (Pro) only moves files to the Trash and never deletes them permanently. You can put them back from Finder until you empty the Trash.
I opened the app but can't see a window.
If you chose to stay in the menu bar, DeskSweep has no Dock icon or window. Click the broom icon at the top right of the screen. You can change this in Settings (設定) → General (一般) → Launch Mode (起動時の表示). If you can't find the broom icon either, launch DeskSweep again from the Applications folder.
It says it can't access a folder.
In Settings (設定) → Folders (フォルダ), select the folder again and allow access. DeskSweep runs in the macOS sandbox and only accesses folders you select, so permission is needed once.
Does automation work when the app is closed?
No. Scheduled and drive-connection sweeps need DeskSweep to be running. Turning on Launch at login (ログイン時に起動) helps.
I'm not getting notifications.
Check that Settings (設定) → General (一般) → Notify when finished (完了したら通知する) is on and that DeskSweep is allowed in System Settings → Notifications.
Can I use just the free version?
Yes. Tidying Desktop and Downloads, rules for keeping files (tags, days, in-progress downloads), the preview, undo, Zip, and recovery after interruption all work with no time or usage limits.
Is Pro a one-time purchase?
Yes. Pro is a one-time in-app purchase with no subscription. See the Mac App Store and the app for the price.
I bought Pro but it isn't active.
Make sure you're signed in with the Apple Account you used to buy it, then click Restore Purchases (購入を復元) in Settings (設定) → Pro (Pro). If product information doesn't appear, check your network connection and click Reload Product Information (製品情報を再読み込み).
Can I use Pro on another Mac?
Yes, on any Mac signed in with the same Apple Account. Click Restore Purchases (購入を復元) to activate Pro.
Does the app icon change after buying Pro?
The app icon shown in Finder and on the desktop stays the same. Once the purchase is confirmed, a PRO label appears inside the app and on the Dock icon while it's running.
I'd like a refund.
Purchases on the App Store are handled by Apple, so please request a refund through Apple's Report a Problem page (reportaproblem.apple.com). The developer can't process refunds.
Are files ever sent to the cloud or elsewhere?
DeskSweep never sends the contents or names of your files to any server. However, if the destination folder is synced by a service such as iCloud Drive, that service syncs it as usual.
What are the system requirements?
macOS 15 or later.
Still need help?
Report problems, ask questions, or send requests using the form.