PC Doctor May 24, 2021

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Dear PC Doctor:

Last year, I got a new computer. All of my files were saved to an external hard drive. I uploaded all of my pictures to my iCloud account, just in case the transfer over from the external drive didn’t work. I was successful in importing all of my old photos from the external drive to the new computer. (I didn’t need the iCloud backup.) I have been paying for extra iCloud storage for a few months because of all the photos. Since I don’t really need the extra storage, I’d like to cancel the payment and sign out of iCloud. How can I be sure I won’t lose my pictures when I sign out of iCloud? It gives some pretty scary messages. How do I change my storage subscription and stop the automatic charge to my credit card?

Thanks,

Rhonda

Dear Rhonda:

It sounds to me like you have already solved your problem – do what you did before. Since I’m guessing that you have added new photos to your new computer since you got it, plug in your external hard drive, create a new folder on it for your updated photos library, and copy them all over into the new folder the way you did before. Because the external drive is not connected to the cloud, disconnecting your computer from iCloud should not affect it.

To change your storage plan, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Apple ID. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, you don’t need to click Apple ID. Click iCloud. Click Manage. Click Change Storage Plan. Click Downgrade Options. Enter your Apple ID password, then click Manage. Choose a different plan. Click Done.

Note: If you reduce your iCloud storage capacity to something smaller than the size of your iCloud photo library, you probably will get an ominous message indicating that you will lose some of your photos. It should be the copies on the cloud that you’ll lose, not your locally backed up copies.

I hope this helps!
Until next time,
Happy computing!
PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library

Posted: to Athol Library News on Mon, May 24, 2021
Updated: Mon, May 24, 2021