What to do if the Dropbox desktop app unexpectedly quits or is causing apps to crash

Updated Sep 21, 2023

This article helps you troubleshoot issues with the Dropbox desktop app. If the Dropbox mobile app unexpectedly quits or keeps crashing, learn how to troubleshoot the mobile app instead.

This article helps you troubleshoot the Dropbox desktop app for the following issues:

Dropbox unexpectedly quits or keeps crashing
Dropbox is causing other applications to unexpectedly quit or crash

Note: If the Dropbox desktop app keeps quitting or crashing, you can still access the files and folders in your Dropbox account on dropbox.com.

If the Dropbox mobile app unexpectedly quits or keeps crashing, visit this article instead.

How to troubleshoot the Dropbox desktop app

Close all other applications and restart your computer

Certain applications (like firewall, security, or antivirus software) could be causing the Dropbox desktop app to quit or crash. Close all other applications on your computer, restart your computer, and see if that fixes the problem.

If closing a particular application fixes the problem, try the following fixes:

Update the application to the latest version
Reinstall the application
If the application is firewall, security, or antivirus software, give the Dropbox desktop app full permissions
Contact that application’s customer support to see if it can be modified to allow for the Dropbox desktop app
If the application can’t be modified to allow the Dropbox desktop app, and it isn’t needed, uninstall it
If none of the above options fix the problem, c ontact Dropbox Support

If you’re on a Dropbox team, contact your admin.

Make sure the Dropbox desktop app is up to date

Your device settings determine whether you have to manually update your apps or if the apps update automatically. If you need to manually update apps, reinstall the Dropbox desktop app to ensure you’re using the latest version.

If you’re enrolled in a beta or early access version of the Dropbox desktop app, upgrade to the latest stable build of the Dropbox desktop app.

Make sure Dropbox supports your computer and operating system

To make the most of your Dropbox experience and features, ensure that Dropbox supports your device and operating system. Keep your operating system updated to the latest version. Learn more about Dropbox system requirements.