How to Unlink Windows Computer from Dropbox Desktop Application?

Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that lets you sync files across multiple devices for easy access anywhere. The Dropbox desktop application makes this process seamless by integrating Dropbox functionality into File Explorer on Windows. However, you may eventually want to unlink your Windows computer from Dropbox if you no longer need synced access or are switching to another service. Fortunately, unlinking is quick and easy.

Prerequisites

• An active Dropbox account
• Dropbox desktop app installed on your Windows computer

Back Up Important Files First

Before unlinking Dropbox, make sure to back up any important files stored in your Dropbox folder. Once unlinked, your Windows computer will no longer sync these files from Dropbox's cloud servers. You don't want to accidentally lose access to anything important.

To back up your Dropbox files:

1. Navigate to your Dropbox folder. This is usually located at C:UsersYOUR_USERNAMEDropbox by default.
2. Copy or move any important files to another location on your computer or an external hard drive.
3. Double check that your files copied correctly before proceeding.

Sign Out of Dropbox Desktop App

Once your files are backed up, you're ready to unlink Dropbox by signing out of the desktop app.

Here's how to sign out of the Dropbox desktop app on Windows:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in the system tray.
2. Select the account icon in the top right corner.
3. Choose Sign out.
4. Confirm you want to sign out when prompted.

This will disconnect your Windows computer from Dropbox's servers. However, the Dropbox desktop app will remain installed.

Optional: Uninstall Dropbox Desktop App

If you no longer need the Dropbox desktop app, you can optionally uninstall it:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
2. Select Dropbox and click Uninstall.
3. Confirm the uninstallation in the pop-up.

Uninstalling the app will free up disk space used by Dropbox. Your files will remain in the Dropbox folder.

Delete Local Dropbox Folder

With your account unlinked and app uninstalled, all that's left is deleting your now-outdated local Dropbox folder.

Warning: This will permanently delete any files still left in your Dropbox folder. Double check you have backups first!

To delete your local Dropbox folder:

1. Go to C:UsersYOUR_USERNAME in File Explorer.
2. Right click the Dropbox folder and select Delete.
3. Confirm deletion in the pop-up.

The Dropbox folder will be removed from your file system.

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Revoke Dropbox Access on Linked Accounts

As a final security step, log into your Dropbox account settings and revoke access from any linked computers or devices you no longer use.

This prevents unauthorized access if an old device still has cached credentials.

To revoke access:

1. Go to the Connected Apps section of your account settings.
2. Click the Revoke button next to any computer or device you don't recognize.
3. Confirm you want to revoke access in the pop-up.

Repeat this process to unlink all unknown devices from your Dropbox account.

Summary

In summary, here is the full process for unlinking your Windows computer from Dropbox:

1. Back up important Dropbox files.
2. Sign out of the Dropbox desktop app.
3. Optionally uninstall the desktop app.
4. Delete your local Dropbox folder.
5. Revoke access from linked accounts.

Unlinking Dropbox is easy and ensures your computer stops syncing with Dropbox's servers. Just be sure to first save copies of all important files to prevent data loss.

Conclusion

Dropbox is a handy tool for syncing files across devices, but there are times when unlinking is needed. Perhaps you are no longer a Dropbox user, or want to consolidate storages services, or have privacy concerns about persistent linkage. Thankfully, this guide has outlined a quick and safe way to unlink your Windows computer from the Dropbox desktop application. Just remember to always back up important files first before deletion. With a few simple steps, you can take back control of your file system while keeping your data intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about unlinking Dropbox on Windows.

Will unlinking delete my Dropbox files?

No, unlinking Dropbox will not delete any of the actual files stored in Dropbox's cloud servers. However, deleting the local Dropbox folder will remove these files from your computer. Make sure to back up files first.

Can I still access my files after unlinking?

You can access files saved in your Dropbox through the website. But your Windows computer will no longer synchronize changes once unlinked.

Is the unlinking process reversible?

It's easy to relink your Dropbox account by simply installing the desktop app and signing in again. However, any local files deleted will need to be re-uploaded.

What happens to shared folders I'm part of?

Shared folders you have access to through other users' Dropbox accounts will no longer be accessible from your computer after unlinking.

Can I still use Dropbox on other devices after unlinking?

Yes, unlinking only disconnects that specific Windows computer. Your Dropbox account and data remains fully accessible from other linked devices.

Will unlinking prevent auto-relinking in the future?

On some Windows versions, simply signing into a Dropbox account can automatically relink it. Revoking access from your account settings helps prevent this auto-relink behavior.