Removing Dropbox from your Windows or macOS computer is a relatively straightforward process. You can start by uninstalling the Dropbox application through the Control Panel on Windows or the Applications folder on macOS.
To begin, click on the Start menu and type "Control Panel" in the search bar. On Windows, you can also find the Dropbox application in the list of installed programs and click on it to uninstall. On macOS, you can simply drag the Dropbox application to the Trash to uninstall it.
You may also need to remove any Dropbox-related files and folders from your computer. According to our previous section, the Dropbox folder is usually located in the "C:\Users\YourUsername" directory on Windows or the "Users\YourUsername" directory on macOS.
Removing from Mac
Removing Dropbox from your Mac can be a bit of a process, but don't worry, it's not too complicated.
To start, you'll want to unlink your Mac from your Dropbox server account. This can be done by clicking on the Dropbox logo in the control panel, then going to Preferences and selecting Password and Unlinking the Dropbox.
Uninstalling Dropbox from your Mac is similar to uninstalling any other application. You can do this through the Finder by selecting the Dropbox application and moving it to the Trash.
However, if you want to remove all leftover files and data, you'll need to take a few extra steps. This includes searching for the Dropbox directory on your computer and deleting any files you find, as well as removing the Dropbox Helper Tools file from the Library directory.
You can also use a tool like PowerMyMac to help you remove Dropbox from your Mac. This tool has an App Uninstaller Module that can help you extract programs without leaving any residues.
If you want to remove Dropbox from your Mac without deleting any files, you can simply unlink the Dropbox account from your device. This will log out the Dropbox program from your computer, but the directories or documents that have been remotely synchronized to your Mac will still be saved on your computer.
Here are the steps to remove Dropbox from your Mac without deleting files:
1. Launch the Dropbox application on your Mac.
2. Locate the Dropbox logo in the main menu.
3. Select the Dropbox icon and press the Settings Icon.
4. Go to your Dropbox account and click on the Unlink this Dropbox.
5. Click again and select Unlink.
6. Quit the Dropbox application.
7. Move the Dropbox application to the Trash.
If you're having trouble removing Dropbox from your Mac due to plugins being in use, you can try uninstalling the Plugin directory and then moving the Dropbox application to the Trash.
Removing Files from Mac Without Deleting
You can remove Dropbox files from your Mac without deleting the Dropbox folder by deleting specific files and directories.
To do so, go to the Library folder and delete any leftover Dropbox files. You can access the Library folder by pressing the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + G and browsing to the /Library directory.
Some directories to check for Dropbox-associated files include ~/Library/Application Support, ~/Library/Application Scripts, and ~/Library/Caches.
Removing these files isn’t mandatory, but it will free up space on your storage drive.
Here are some specific directories to look for Dropbox files:
- ~/Library/Application Support
- ~/Library/Application Scripts
- ~/Library/Caches
- ~/Library/Saved Application State
- ~/Library/Containers
- ~/Library/Group Containers
- ~/Library/Preferences
- ~/Library/Cookies
- ~/Library/Launch Agents
- ~/Library/DropboxHelperTools
- ~/Library/Dropbox
Using Registry Editor
Using Registry Editor can be a complex procedure, but it's a viable option if you're comfortable with it.
This method requires you to edit the Windows Registry, a database that stores settings and options for Windows.
To start, you'll need to open the Registry Editor, which can be found by searching for it in the Start menu.
Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause problems with your computer.
If you're new to using the Registry Editor, you may want to consider a simpler method, such as Method 2, which we'll cover next.
Using Registry Editor
The Registry Editor can be a powerful tool, but it's a complex procedure that requires some caution. This method is not for the faint of heart, so make sure you're comfortable with the process before proceeding.
To use the Registry Editor, you'll need to navigate to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C6E-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}. This is a specific location that holds the key to disabling the Dropbox icon in Windows Explorer.
Be careful not to make any mistakes, as this can cause system instability. This method is not recommended for beginners, so if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to skip to Method 2.
The Registry Editor is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to view and edit the Windows registry. This method is a good option if you're comfortable with editing the registry.
Method 3:
You can uninstall Dropbox by deleting its entries from the Registry Editor, but be cautious not to delete any other essential files.
Dropbox's uninstaller program may fail to properly uninstall the software due to corruption of the program files.
This can happen if you're experiencing repeated application crashes or freezes.
If you're encountering conflicts with other software applications, uninstalling Dropbox might resolve the issue.
You can also uninstall Dropbox if you no longer need the program.
Here are some reasons why you might want to uninstall Dropbox:
- Dropbox is causing conflicts with other software applications installed on your computer.
- You’re encountering application crashes/ freezes on a repeated basis.
- You no longer need the program.
- Dropbox’s official uninstaller program fails to uninstall it properly due to corruption of the program files or any other reasons.
- A third-party application is preventing Dropbox from being uninstalled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to uninstall Dropbox?
Uninstalling Dropbox will not delete your files or account, but it's still a good idea to learn how to do it safely to avoid any potential issues. Find out how to safely uninstall Dropbox and protect your data.
What happens if I uninstall Dropbox?
Uninstalling Dropbox will stop syncing your files, but content already on your computer will remain, and private folder files will be deleted from our servers
How do I stop Dropbox from syncing my desktop?
To pause Dropbox syncing on your desktop, click the Dropbox icon and select the sync status text with a down arrow next to it. From there, choose how long you'd like to pause syncing for.
Sources
- https://www.powermymac.com/powermymac/how-to-remove-dropbox-from-mac.html
- https://cleanerone.trendmicro.com/blog/remove-dropbox-macos-or-windows/
- https://www.bruceb.com/2020/04/how-to-turn-off-the-dropbox-desktop-app-and-why-is-there-a-desktop-app-anyway/
- https://askubuntu.com/questions/182416/how-do-i-uninstall-dropbox
- https://www.cloudfilerenamer.com/blog/remove-dropbox-from-explorer-in-windows-11/
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