What is the Dropbox desktop app?

Updated Jan 13, 2026

How to 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).

You can also access the Dropbox desktop app by clicking ☑ (Dropbox) on your taskbar (Windows), or menu bar (Mac). Learn how to find the Dropbox icon in your taskbar or menu bar.

Note: You can manage your local storage space by making files online-only.

When you access the desktop app from the Dropbox icon, you can:

Get a quick overview of your files and folders by clicking Home on the left sidebar.
Open your Dropbox folders by clicking Folders on the left sidebar.
Check your recent activity by clicking Activity on the left sidebar.
Open Dropbox in your web browser by clicking ☑ Open on web.
Access and manage your settings by clicking your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the bottom-left corner, and then Preferences.
Access and manage you sync and storage status by clicking your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the bottom-left corner, and then Sync & storage.
See which version of Dropbox you’re running by clicking Preferences, and then the General tab. Learn how to see which version of Dropbox you’re running.

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

On the Dropbox desktop app you can 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.
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.
File information: Quick and easy access to important information on your files and folders, such as syncing status, availability, and hard drive usage.

You can easily access all these features by right-clicking your files or folders directly from your File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

The Dropbox desktop app is available on Windows 10, and 11 (not in S mode), and on macOS 11 Big Sur and later. Learn more about Dropbox system requirements.

If your computer is running on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and macOS 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, the desktop app is available on a simplified version. Learn more about the simplified version of the Dropbox desktop app .

If your operating system is not compatible with the desktop app, we recommend upgrading it to a supported version: