How to Remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them
- George Apostolov
How to Remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them: step-by-step guide
Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar, then select "Preferences."
Go to the "Sync" Tab and click "Select folders".
The unchecked folders will be removed from your computer but remain available in Dropbox online.
Click "Update."
Select "Confirm."
Quick answer: 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.
About this Dropbox tutorial
Free up computer space without losing data by selectively syncing your Dropbox folders. Follow these steps to remove files locally. This guide shows how to remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them in 5 steps, starting with "Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar, then select ' Preferences'" and finishing with "Select 'Confirm'". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Dropbox interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them?
5 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Dropbox data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Dropbox. Related guides: How to rename a folder in dropbox, How to Save Emails to Dropbox and How to See Folder Size in Dropbox. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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