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Forum Discussion
Files still on computer after deleting Dropbox app.
Hello, I am looking to uninstall the Dropbox app from my Mac laptop as the files are taking up a ton of space locally, and it's not necessary for me to have a local backup. I was able to delete the app from my computer after signing out on the online Dropbox platform (following the 'uninstall' directions), however, the amount of remaining storage did not change on my laptop after app deletion and the Dropbox files are still somehow saved in the Dropbox file path on my computer. I am unclear how having deleted the Dropbox app, Dropbox and the files are still somehow locally saved. Prior to deletion, it appears as though the Dropbox account and files were syncing to my computer. Any guidance on how to remove Dropbox and the files therein from my computer without deleting the files saved on the Dropbox cloud would be greatly appreciated!
2 Replies
- Rich
Super User II
nciesinski wrote:
I am unclear how having deleted the Dropbox app, Dropbox and the files are still somehow locally saved.
Uninstalling the Dropbox application does not delete the local files. That's something you need to do manually. As long as you've either uninstalled the Dropbox application or unlinked the computer from your Security page, you can safely delete the local files without them being deleted from your account online.
That said, make sure your Desktop, Documents and other key folders aren't located in your local Dropbox folder BEFORE you delete it. If they are, then you were using the Backup feature and failed to disable it before uninstalling Dropbox. If that's the case, read this help article first.
That was the trick! I had to remove the device from the security page and then deleted the files locally by managing storage on my Mac. I also went back to check to ensure that no data had been lost on the Dropbox cloud after deleting the files locally, and no data were lost! Thank you so much for your prompt response and assistance 🙂
