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How to use selective sync in Dropbox

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Cloud storage services are the latest trend when it comes to keeping your file safe. They let you keep files online so that you won’t have to fill your hard drive with too much data.

There are manycloud storageservices out there, one of which is Dropbox, and it is actually one of the best services of its kind, and it is even free to some extent.

However, since our storage is limited, both physical andcloud, we wouldn’t want all of our files to be synced, just a select few.

Dropboxlets you create such a list with a feature calledSelective Sync. If you’re aDropboxPlus,DropboxProfessional, orDropboxBusiness user,Smart Syncis available instead.

How do I selectively sync in Dropbox?

How do I selectively sync in Dropbox?

First of all, make sure you have theDropboxapp installed on yourPCsince the Selective Sync feature is not accessible fromDropbox‘s website.

Any folder that you have unchecked will no longer be synced withDropbox, and neither will any of the containing subfolders. Whatever you upload to theDropboxapp will only be stored online and accessible from dropbox.com, thus saving you personal storage space.

Looking for a great alternative to Dropbox? Check out our top picks!

What happens if I uncheck a folder that is shared?

The unchecked folder won’t sync to your computer anymore, and neither will its subfolders.

You will still be a member of that shared folder, and it will still be available in your account on dropbox.com. The shared folder will also remain available for other members of that folder.

If you want to remove yourself from that shared folder, all you need to do is leave the shared folder from theDropboxwebsite. If you are the owner, you can simply unshare it.

Did this trick help you save up any hard drive space? Let us know how helpful this guide was in the comments section below.

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Teodor Nechita

Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.

When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.

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