# How to Remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them

> To remove files from your computer while keeping them in Dropbox, right-click the Dropbox menu bar icon and open Preferences. Next, go to the Sync tab, click Select folders, uncheck the desired folders, click Update, and select Confirm. The unchecked folders remain available online.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-remove-files-from-dropbox-without-deleting-them/
Apps: Dropbox
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a4c00ab56e05a00ff7764/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar, then select " Preferences."
2. Go to the "Sync" Tab and click " Select folders".
3. The unchecked folders will be removed from your computer but remain available in Dropbox online.
4. Click "Update."
5. Select "Confirm."