How to install the Dropbox desktop app for Mac, Windows, or Linux
- Download and install the Dropbox desktop app on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
- Follow the prompts to log in or create a new account.
- Follow the prompts to sync files between your computer and your Dropbox account.
You can access Dropbox from the icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) or the Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
How to install the desktop app with admin privileges
The Dropbox desktop app requires admin privileges to run with full functionality on your computer. This enables multiple different core features of Dropbox, including:
- Sync icons that show the sync status of files and folders
- Right-click context menus for taking quick actions in Dropbox
For most users, the desktop app is automatically installed with admin privileges. However, if you didn't install with admin privileges, you can follow the instructions below to do so.