How to restore files and folders with Dropbox Backup

You can easily restore your backed up files and folders to a new computer if things go wrong. 

To restore your entire computer backup onto a new computer:

1. Download the Dropbox desktop app on your new computer.
   • If you have an existing backup, you’ll be prompted to restore from your backup.
   • If you have more than one existing backup, select your preferred backup from the dropdown.
2. Click Confirm.
3. Click OK.

You can use your computer as normal while your restoration completes in the background. Once it’s complete, click OK on the notification that appears.

To only restore a part of your computer backup or any part of your external hard drive backup onto a new computer:

1. Log in to dropbox.com
2. Click the grid icon in the top-left corner.
3. Click Backup from the menu that appears.
   • Dropbox Backup will open in a new tab.
4. Click Mac or PC.
5. Check the boxes next to the folders you’d like to download.
6. Click Download.

You can also restore recently deleted folders within Dropbox Backup on your computer or external hard drive. To do this:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
2. Click the Sync and Backups tab.
3. Select the backup you’d like to restore.
4. Click View backed up files.
5. Click Show deleted files.
6. Check the box to the left of the deleted folder (will display the trash icon) you’d like to restore.
7. Click Restore.
8. Click Restore all files.

If you have more questions about Dropbox Backup, see our frequently asked questions.