Move the Dropbox folder to a new location

Updated Sep 07, 2023

When you install the Dropbox desktop app on your computer, the default location of your Dropbox folder will be in your File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). However, you can move this folder to a new location on your computer.

If you're on Dropbox for macOS on File Provider, you can no longer move the Dropbox folder. Learn more about the changes with the Dropbox for macOS update.

This article explains how you can move the Dropbox desktop folder to a different location on your computer with your Dropbox desktop app preferences. If you’d like to organize the contents of your Dropbox account, learn how to move Dropbox files and 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. Because of this, 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 have any trouble with syncing your files after moving the Dropbox folder to a new location on your computer, learn how to fix Dropbox sync issues and startup problems.

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

How to move your Dropbox folder

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

Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders, and disable your computer backup.
Click the Dropbox icon in the task bar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
Click Preferences.
Click the Sync tab.
Click Move… (Windows and Linux), or Dropbox location (Mac).
Select the new location for your Dropbox folder.
Let Dropbox move your folder and its contents to the new location.
Log 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

Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders.
Click the Dropbox icon in the taskbar.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
Click Preferences.
Click the Sync tab.
Under Dropbox Folder Location, click Move.
In the text box next to Folder:, type “$Home”.
Click OK.
You'll be asked to confirm if you wish to move your Dropbox folder location. Click OK.
Log 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 if you’ve updated to Dropbox for macOS on File Provider. Learn more about changes with this update.

Close any applications on your computer that may be using your Dropbox files and folders.
Click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar.
Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the top-right corner.
Click Preferences.
Click the Sync tab.
Click the dropdown beside Dropbox location.
Select Other…
Open the Applications list.
Click the Applications dropdown, and select your hard drive.
Open the Users folder.
Select your computer username (it will likely have a "home" icon beside it).
Click Select.
Confirm the move by clicking Move.
Log out and back in to the Dropbox desktop app to ensure that all of your preferences are moved as well.