Move the Dropbox folder to a new location

This article explains how you can move the Dropbox folder to a different location on your computer with your Dropbox preferences. 

Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox helps you effortlessly share folders.

Notes:

• Dropbox doesn’t support certain types of files and metadata like symlinks, aliases, shortcuts, junction points, resource forks, and networked folders.
• If Dropbox doesn’t support the extended attributes (additional metadata) attached to your files, they’re not stored in Dropbox, so they won’t move with your Dropbox folder. 
• You need some disk space (hard drive space) to move the Dropbox folder. If you’re running low, learn how you can free up disk space.
• If you're on the updated Dropbox for macOS experience, you can no longer move the Dropbox folder. Learn more about the expected changes with the Dropbox for macOS update.

If you have any syncing issues after moving the Dropbox folder to a new location, visit this article.

How to move your Dropbox folder

Note: Moving your Dropbox folder on computers running the updated version of Dropbox for macOS 12.5 and higher is no longer supported.  

1. Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders, and disable your computer backup.
2. Open your Dropbox desktop preferences.
3. Click the Sync tab.
4. Click Move… (Windows and Linux), or Dropbox location (Mac).
5. Select the new location for your Dropbox folder.
6. Let Dropbox move your folder and its contents to the new location.
7. Sign out and back in to the Dropbox desktop app to ensure that all of your preferences are moved as well.

If you’ve linked your Dropbox accounts, you'll see both of your Dropbox accounts listed. Select the correct tab before moving the Dropbox folder location.

Your Dropbox folder will keep the same name as before, and can't be renamed during the move process. Dropbox will not sync your folder if it has been manually renamed or moved through your operating system. If Dropbox loses track of your folder, it will attempt to re-sync the folder in its entirety using its last known location.

Windows: Manually move the Dropbox folder back to its default location

1. Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders.
2. Open your Dropbox desktop preferences.
3. Click the Sync tab.
4. Under Dropbox Folder Location, click Move.
5. In the text box next to Folder:, type “$Home”.
6. Click OK.
7. You will be asked to confirm if you wish to move your Dropbox folder location. Click OK.
8. Sign out and back in to the Dropbox desktop app to ensure that all of your preferences are moved as well.

macOS: Manually move the Dropbox folder back to its default location

Note: Moving the Dropbox folder is no longer supported on macOS 12.5 or higher. Learn more about the Dropbox folder location on macOS.

1. Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders.
2. Open your Dropbox desktop preferences on your desktop.
3. Click the Sync tab.
4. Click the dropdown beside Dropbox location.
5. Select Other…
6. Open the Applications list.
7. Click the Applications dropdown, and select your hard drive.
8. Open the Users folder.
9. Select your computer username (it will likely have a "home" icon beside it).
10. Click Select.
11. Confirm the move by clicking Move.
12. Sign out and back in to the Dropbox desktop app to ensure that all of your preferences are moved as well.