The Dropbox desktop application is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. (Visit this article instead if you are running Windows 10 in S mode).
Once installed, you’ll have Dropbox in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), the Dropbox folder in Folder Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), and the new Dropbox desktop app. Any changes you make to your files in the Dropbox desktop application are automatically synced everywhere you access your files in Dropbox, including your account on dropbox.com.
Learn more about how Dropbox syncs your files.
How to download and install the Dropbox desktop app
To download and install the Dropbox desktop application on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer, click this link.
Once installed, you’ll be prompted to either sign in or create a new account.
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:
For the vast majority of 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.
Note: If you don't have admin rights on your computer (for example if you're using a work computer), you may need to ask your IT department for help.
Install the Dropbox desktop app with admin privileges
- If you already have Dropbox installed, uninstall the application.
- Download the Dropbox application.
- Open the installer.
- Do not right-click or command-click Run as an Administrator
- Follow the instructions in the install wizard.
- If you’re asked for an administrative username and password, enter them or contact your administrator to sign in.
- If you’re not asked for an administrative username and password, you’re already an admin on your computer.
- Complete the installation and sign in to Dropbox.
Why does the Dropbox desktop app for Mac require Keychain access?
Keychain is a password management system for Mac. Dropbox requires access to your Keychain to help verify your account and to provide another layer of security over the Dropbox app preferences.
- To grant Keychain access to Dropbox, click Allow or Always Allow (recommended for seamless access) when prompted to do so from Mac.
- Clicking Deny will result in a "Couldn't start Dropbox" error message. For security reasons, Dropbox will not start without access to your Keychain.
What is the Dropbox Web Helper for macOS?
Dropbox Web Helper supports the Dropbox user interface on Mac computers. It only runs when the desktop app is running. Dropbox Web Helper is an independent process, so it may start and stop at different times than the desktop app. If you adjust your firewall or antivirus software for Dropbox, we recommend similar adjustments for Dropbox Web Helper.
