How can I disable the status column on Windows?

This seems to be the solution, thank you!

I would like to know, however: does reverting to the old version and opting out for ‘Windows for Dropbox updates’, affect the way Dropbox is syncing or functioning? Does Dropbox in that case sync without the Windows API? And is there any risk to that?

The “Dropbox for Windows update” only affects the way the online-only feature (formerly known as Smart Sync) is implemented in Dropbox. Before the Cloud Files API was developed by Microsoft to be used by cloud storage providers, the online-only feature was implemented by Dropbox using a custom kernel module and is now reimplemented using the Cloud Files API.

So no, the syncing should not be affected in any way because Dropbox was already working just fine before the Cloud Files API became available.

Opting out of the "Dropbox for Windows update" is safe.

Hope this helps.
Andrew (DBoxTips)

P.S. I am a volunteer on the Dropbox forums, freely and happily sharing know-how with other users, not affiliated with Dropbox in any way.

Thank you so much, BBSAustinMeme and Andrew. I opted out for the Dropbox for Windows updates. Everything works fine and the status column is gone. You made my day.

Thanks for the solution!!!

My 2c : 

A) It's a stupid answer "it's not Dropbox  fault" because of B), C)

B) When you uninstall Dropbox, the pesky "Status column" doesn't keep reappearing.

C) Managing a "unknown" side-effects  option [undocumented] but present in Dropbox Install, solve the issue

You post as a "solution"   A)  instead of C)


( the software i GOOD, support is bleah ! )

My 3C:

Open FileExplore > Go to "My PC"    
> View > Options > "Change  folder and View"

Close FileExplorer

Reopen going to any folder.....

And that pesky column is not there anymore 🤷

( the trick is to do it on the "NonFolder" ROOT  > MyPC 😂 )

PS:  AS A BONUS  you're able to remove the green dot you can see in previous pic
:-) that was breaking my eyes ...

As an added note:
 I've used WinSetViews in the past to reorder and sort globally my files in "last modified" by default.

On the same screen, it manage perfectly also the Status Columns as any others,
making it disappear forever
[ BEWARE: there are TWO status columns, with different meanings. MS only knows why ] 

This page is from the User Guide

Hi Alain Church​,

Thanks for brining this up! Uninstalling Dropbox can indeed help - if the Status column doesn't appear after you've reinstalled Dropbox it's likely that the newly reinstalled version doesn't include the Cloud Files update. Unfortunately, it will only provide a temporary fix since your Dropbox will eventually update to Windows Cloud Files sync engine, and the Status column will be managed by Windows.

I agree with Alain Church.  I didn't want this status icon and other sync companies allow you to get rid of this without the hassle.  I've already complained about this to dropbox support.

Well yes and no.  Dropbox made a deliberate architectural shift: they abandoned their custom sync icon overlays (the green checkmarks, blue sync arrows, etc.) and instead adopted Microsoft’s Cloud Files API to handle sync status. That API is part of Windows' native cloud integration framework, and it injects the “Status” column directly into File Explorer for any folder using Files On Demand.  

Therefore, it IS Dropbox's fault for this stupid addition that no user that actually uses the product wanted.

Wrong!

You can choose for .. ONLY this session and ONLY this Explorer window

Note: I've never worked in magnified "full screen" mode for any program on my screen, so I have multiple Explore windows open while I'm working on Folders or Files.

Close Explorer, restart it  and that "sheet" is again taking precious Real Estate on your screen.

Reboot and you have them back <right in the middle> in all Explore windows you left open, even if you pushed it at the end ... in all of them!!!!!



( no way to avoid MS so far ! )

Alain, it is INCREDIBLY frustrating to have this stupid status icon in explorer that we don't have the ability to turn off.  And what's even more frustrating is answers on here acting as if it has nothing to do with dropbox and IT DEFINITELY has EVERYTHING TO DO WITH DROPBOX AND the choices they made.  As I said above:

Dropbox made a deliberate architectural shift: they abandoned their custom sync icon overlays (the green checkmarks, blue sync arrows, etc.) and instead adopted Microsoft’s Cloud Files API to handle sync status. That API is part of Windows' native cloud integration framework, and it injects the “Status” column directly into File Explorer for any folder using Files On Demand.  

Therefore, it IS Dropbox's fault for this stupid addition that no user that actually uses the product wanted.