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TomFuller's avatar
TomFuller
Helpful | Level 7
3 years ago
Solved

Dropbox for Windows 11 Virtual Machine (Parallels) on Macbook M1 (Apple silicon) -- can't install

I'm trying to use Dropbox in a "Windows 11 Pro" virtual machine (under Parallels) on Macbook M1 (Apple silicon). When I attempt to install, I get an error message "Couldn't start Dropbox. Your device...
desktop
Install
  • TomFuller's avatar
    TomFuller
    3 years ago

    Thanks to both you and Hannah. I think I may have found a work-around while searching the developer forum. I'll pursue that for now.

TomFuller's avatar
TomFuller
Helpful | Level 7
3 years ago

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for responding (and so fast!)—very encouraging to this newbie. Yes, I am a newbie on the Forum, but I have used Dropbox for over a decade. I have used it on a virtual machine on my Macbook pro for 8 years. The programs I wrote (C# .Net) for backup, organization, photos, etc. all worked perfectly in this dual environment (MacOS and Windows 10). In fact, they worked fine when I installed Dropbox on the MacOS side of my new Macbook M1 a month ago. (BTW, I do not use, cannot use, Windows in S mode.)

For example, in Windows 11 on the new Macbook M1, I could see the MacOS Dropbox folders as something like Z:\dropbox\family\. . .

The trouble began a few days ago when I upgraded to the most recent MacOS Dropbox. It conceals the location of files stored in the MacOS side. I can’t reach them with my Windows programs now. If there is a stable folder location visible to the Windows VM, I would not need Dropbox on Windows VM. I understand from your response that Dropbox in Windows 11 VM is not supported. With the MacOS Dropbox location known, I could reinstall MacOS Dropbox and be happy again.

Thanks for your interest!

Tom

andymilder's avatar
andymilder
New member | Level 2
3 years ago

Hi Tom,

What was your workaround? I have the same issue. Thanks!

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