What is the Dropbox desktop app?

With the Dropbox desktop app, you can save, view, share, and access the files and folders stored in your Dropbox account from your computer. When you download and install the Dropbox desktop app, two things are added to your computer:

• The Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
• The Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac)

Open the Dropbox desktop app

Once you’ve installed the Dropbox desktop app, you can open your Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

• Learn how to open apps on Windows computers
• Learn how to open apps on Mac computers

For an overview of your recent file activity and your sync history, click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar at the bottom of your screen (Windows) or menu bar at the top of your screen (Mac).

From here you can also view and manage your preferences, see which version of Dropbox you’re running, and manage how much bandwidth the Dropbox app uses on your computer.

Close the Dropbox desktop app and stop syncing

You can completely close the Dropbox desktop app and stop your files from syncing to your Dropbox account. To close the app:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
2. Click your avatar (photo or initials) in the top right.
3. Click Quit.

What can the Dropbox app do?

The Dropbox desktop app allows you to manage your files and folders using: 

• Automatic sync: Real-time synchronization of files between the files on your computer and dropbox.com.
• Automatic backup: Back up files and folders on your computer to your dropbox.com account in the cloud. After the initial backup, any changes you make will be reflected in your account in the cloud. Learn more about Dropbox backup.
• Offline access: Access and edit files without an internet connection; syncing will occur automatically later.
• Smart sync: View all Dropbox files on your desktop without using local storage, and choose what to keep locally.
• Drag-and-Drop management: Move files in and out of Dropbox from your File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
• Desktop app integration: Better integration with other applications for direct saving and sharing.
• Streamlined file recovery: Restore previous file versions directly from the File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
• Background syncing: Continue syncing files in the background without interrupting your workflow.
• Improved performance: Faster transfers for large files due to direct interaction with the local file system.