What linking Dropbox to your computer means

Linking Dropbox to your computer installs the Dropbox app and connects it to your account, so files you save in your Dropbox folder automatically sync to the cloud and to your other devices. Once linked, you get a folder on your computer (usually called "Dropbox") that works like any other folder — you can drag files into it, edit them, delete them, and the changes appear everywhere you use Dropbox.

The link is permanent until you unlink the computer or sign out. You can link multiple computers to the same Dropbox account, and they will all see the same files.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Dropbox app from dropbox.com, install it, and sign in with your email and password to link your computer.
  • After linking, a Dropbox folder appears on your computer where files sync automatically to the cloud.
  • You can link as many computers as you want to one Dropbox account, and they will all share the same files.
  • If you run out of storage space, you can delete files from your computer's Dropbox folder or buy more storage through the app.

read and install the Dropbox app

Go to dropbox.com in your web browser. Look for a button that says "read" or "Get the app" — it is usually near the top of the page. Click it, and the installer file will read to your computer (usually to your Downloads folder).

Once the read finishes, open the installer file. On Windows, double-click the .exe file. On Mac, double-click the .dmg file. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app. The installer will ask where you want the Dropbox folder to live on your computer — the default location (your user folder) works fine for most people.

Sign in with your Dropbox account

After installation finishes, the Dropbox app opens automatically and shows a sign-in screen. Enter the email address you used to create your Dropbox account, then click "Next". On the next screen, enter your password and click "Sign in".

If you do not have a Dropbox account yet, you can create one during this step by clicking "Create account" instead of signing in. You will need a valid email address and a password you choose.

Choose which folders to sync

After you sign in, Dropbox shows you a list of folders in your account and asks which ones you want to sync to this computer. By default, all folders are selected. If your Dropbox storage is large and your computer's hard drive is small, you can uncheck folders you do not need on this particular computer — they will still be in your Dropbox account and visible on other devices or through the web.

Click "Next" to confirm your choices. Dropbox will then create the Dropbox folder on your computer and begin syncing your files. This can take a few minutes to an hour depending on how many files you have.

Find your Dropbox folder and start using it

Once syncing finishes, open your file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) and look for a folder called "Dropbox" in your user folder. This is your linked folder. Any file you put here will sync to the cloud and to your other linked computers.

You can also access your files through the Dropbox website by going to dropbox.com and signing in. The web version shows the same files as your computer folder, but you cannot edit most file types directly in the browser — you read them, edit them on your computer, and upload them back.

Check sync status and manage storage

The Dropbox app runs in the background on your computer. Look for the Dropbox icon in your system tray (bottom right on Windows, top right on Mac). Click it to open the menu and see which files are currently syncing, any errors, or your storage usage.

If you see a warning that you are running out of storage space, you have two options: delete files you no longer need from your Dropbox folder, or buy more storage through the app. Dropbox offers plans ranging from 2 GB free to 2 TB paid. Click "Upgrade" in the app menu to see pricing.

Unlink your computer if you no longer need it

If you sell your computer, give it away, or straightforward no longer want Dropbox syncing on it, you can unlink it. Open the Dropbox app menu, click your profile picture or initials, then select "Settings". Go to the "Account" tab and scroll down to "Linked devices". Find the computer you want to unlink and click "Unlink".

Unlinking removes the Dropbox folder from your computer, but your files stay in your Dropbox account and on your other linked devices. You can link the computer again later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my files if I unlink my computer?

Your files stay in your Dropbox account and on the cloud. They remain on any other computers you have linked. The Dropbox folder is removed from the computer you unlinked, but you can link it again later and your files will reappear.

Can I link the same Dropbox account to multiple computers?

Yes. You can link as many computers as you want to one account. All linked computers will see the same files and folders, and changes you make on one computer appear on the others within a few seconds.

Why is my Dropbox folder not syncing?

Check that the Dropbox app is running (look for the icon in your system tray). Make sure your internet connection is working. If the app is running and you are online, restart the app by closing it and opening it again. If syncing still does not work, check the Dropbox website to see if there is a known outage.

Do I need to pay for Dropbox to link it to my computer?

No. Dropbox offers a free plan with 2 GB of storage. You can link your computer and use Dropbox without paying. If you need more storage, you can buy a paid plan, but linking itself is free.

Can I choose which folders sync to my computer?

Yes. During setup, you can uncheck folders you do not want on that computer. You can also change this later in the app settings under "Sync" — just uncheck any folders you want to remove from this computer while keeping them in your account.