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Forum Discussion
What are the steps to sync files to a new PC with Windows 11?
Device
Windows 11 (New Laptop)
I got a new Windows 11 machine. Before I make the switch I wanted to make sure I've got the steps to easily sync my files onto the new machine. Please comment on my expected steps below.
- Pause syncing on old machine.
- Install DB on new machine, sign in and sync FROM DB. (would this be a "restore")?
- Once files are confirmed I can uninstall DB from old machine and wipe the drive.
This seems too simple. Am I missing any little nuance somewhere?
1 Reply
- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi Jlutz68, thanks for contacting us!
There isn't really any need to stop syncing on the old machine, since any changes made on that machine would first sync to the Dropbox site, and then to any other device.
When you install Dropbox to a new PC, it syncs all the data from the site directly, not the other PC. This means that even if you update a file in the meantime on the old PC, those changes would sync to the site, and then to your Windows 11 PC.
In general, this is how Dropbox works when it comes to syncing, any files changed on one device will be updated on the site, and then those changes will pass on to any other device.
To answer your last question, you can uninstall the Dropbox desktop application from your old PC at any time, and it won't affect the files already synced on the Dropbox site. Just make sure to delete the Dropbox folder only when the desktop app is fully uninstalled.
If you're using Dropbox Backup, you might get a prompt to restore the backup to your new machine.
If you need any further assistance, please let me know!
