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Dropbox sync icons missing on Windows 10/11 [Fixed]

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Dropboxis one of thebest cloud storage servicesavailable, allowing users to view and edit their files on any device, anytime and anywhere, share files, and automatically back up their work.

This service is a UWP app and is compatible with manyWindows 10features such as Windows Hello, Live Tiles, and Notifications.

Dropboxis a reliable app, but sometimes Windows 10 users encounter various issues when running it on Microsoft’s latest OS.

Oftentimes, users complained that theDropboxsynciconsdon’t show in Windows 10, especially after having upgraded to this OS.

What can I do if Dropbox sync icons are missing?

1. Reinstall the latest version of the Dropbox desktop application

In some cases, there might be a temporary glitch withDropboxand that can cause issues withDropboxsync icons. One way to fix the problem is to restartDropboxand check if that solves the issue.

On the other hand, you might experience problems withDropboxsync icons because your installation is damaged. However, you can fix that easily by reinstallingDropbox.

Once you uninstallDropbox, download the latest version and install it again. After installing the latest version, the issue with sync icons should be resolved.

2. Try out a different cloud storage solution

You’re already used to the idea of not wasting valuable storage space on your PC when you can store your data in the cloud.

However, these Dropbox sync icons issues prevent you from enjoying this experience. That’s why it’s time to talk about an alternative that doesn’t include handing over your hard-earned cash.

Sync is one of the very few free cloud services that easily guarantee the confidentiality of your private files. No unauthorized access is ever allowed.

You get plenty of other advanced collaboration features too – file requests, permissions, and expiry dates – all make sure you’re organized and ready for action.

Sync

3. Customize the notification area

Sometimes you might encounter problems withDropboxsync icons because theDropboxicons aren’t set to appear on Taskbar.

After doing that, the problem should be completely resolved and the sync icons will appear again.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

4. Unlink and relink your computer to Dropbox

Relink your Windows computer from the desktop app.

Some users claim that you might be able to fix the problem simply by unlinking your PC fromDropbox. This is just temporary, so you won’t lose any synchronized files.

To unlink your account, just complete the above procedure.

5. Hack the Registry

IfDropboxsync icons aren’t showing, the issue might be related to your registry. Windows has a limit of 15 overlay icons that can be loaded.

To prioritize theDropboxsync icon overlays, just apply the above steps.

6. Remove other cloud storage software

According to users, sometimes other cloud storage software can interfere withDropboxand causeDropboxsync icons to become missing.

However, you can fix this problem simply by removing other cloud storage software from your PC.

There are many ways to do that, but the most effective one is to use uninstaller software such asRevo Uninstaller.

In case you’re not familiar, uninstaller software is a special application that can remove any application, along with all of its files and registry entries, from your PC.

Once you remove other cloud storage software from your PC, the problem should be resolved completely.

In addition to cloud storage software, other applications that have status icons can also cause this problem to appear, so if you have any other applications that are using sync icons similarly toDropbox, be sure to remove them.

7. Restart explorer.exe

After Windows Explorer restarts, check if the problem withDropboxsync icons is still there.

Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution and if the problem reappears, you’ll have to repeat this solution.

IfDropboxsync icons are missing, you might be able to fix this problem simply by restarting explorer.exe. Sometimes there might be certain glitches on your system, and in order to fix them, it’s necessary that you restart Windows Explorer.

Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.

8. Move your Dropbox folder

In some cases, the location of yourDropboxfolder can causeDropboxsync icons to become missing. If theDropboxfolder is in the root directory on your PC, that can cause this and other problems to occur.

However, you can just move yourDropboxfolder and the issue should be resolved.

9. Install the latest updates

In some cases,Dropboxsync icons won’t appear on your PC due to certain system issues.

If your system is out of date, that might be a problem, and in order to fix it, you need to install the missing updates.

By default, Windows 10 installs the missing updates automatically, but you can always check for updates manually by doing as described above.

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background. Once the updates are installed, restart your PC and check if the problem withDropboxsync icons still appears.

10. Disable OneDrive

OneDrive is built-in in Windows 10, and if you’re having problems withDropboxsync icons, you might have to disable OneDrive.

This is quite simple, and you can do it by following the above steps. After doing that, the OneDrive will be disabled and the issue should be completely resolved.

11. Perform a System Restore

If this problem started appearing recently, you might be able to fix it by performing a System Restore. To do that, follow these steps:

Once your system is restored, check if the problem is still there. If not, it’s possible that a recently installed application caused this issue.

As always, if you’ve found other workarounds, help the community and share your experience in the comments section below.

Do keep in mind that Dropbox remains a great cloud storage service. The sync icons missing are a big problem, and speaking of Dropbox issues, here are some similar issues that users reported:

[wl_navigator]

Dropbox sync icons missing on Windows 10/11 [Fixed]#

What can I do if Dropbox sync icons are missing?#

1. Reinstall the latest version of the Dropbox desktop application#

2. Try out a different cloud storage solution#

Sync#

3. Customize the notification area#

4. Unlink and relink your computer to Dropbox#

5. Hack the Registry#

6. Remove other cloud storage software#

7. Restart explorer.exe#

8. Move your Dropbox folder#

9. Install the latest updates#

10. Disable OneDrive#

11. Perform a System Restore#