Disable "Optimize Storage" on Catalina I remember in older versions of MacOS there was a setting in:
System Preferences -&gt; iCloud -&gt; Options @ iCloud Drive -&gt; Optimize Mac Storage

It's been known to cause all sorts of problems, so I want to make sure I disable it, but it is not there any more!
How can I make sure I disable this setting and NOT have Catalina manage free space on my drive for me?
Here is how you can ensure iCloud does not take an optimize pass after it downloads the full version of cloud synced app data and finished processing and uploading any selected folders or selected Application data that only exists on your local Mac.

https://support.apple.com/guide/system-information/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac

In system preferences, at the very top, select AppleID and in the main pane, you can choose to opt in or opt out of syncing specific buckets of files. The equivalent check box is located at the bottom of that list -  Optimize Mac Storage.