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djmdivis's avatar
djmdivis
New member | Level 2
2 years ago

Desktop app does not start on system startup up in macOS

Dropbox does not start on startup in Mac Os Ventura 13.4. It is set to start on start up in the app, and in OS settings but it's simply does not do that. Please help!

  • I just had a similar issue. I had recently reinstalled the Dropbox app and it wasn't opening up automatically on my MacBook on startup. Instead of the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling, the trick was to look in System Settings/General/Login Items

    In the upper 'Open at Login' section there was an existing item for Dropbox app, but it's icon was generic which implied that it was a 'leave behind' from previous installs. I removed that item (hit the - 'minus' button below) and then added a fresh instance of the updated Dropbox app (hit the + 'plus' button) from your applications directory.. you should see a fresh Dropbox icon in the list.. restart and you should be good to go.

    I'm on Macbook, OS v14.4.1, Dropbox v196.4.6900

  • BiLC's avatar
    BiLC
    Helpful | Level 5

    I just had a similar issue. I had recently reinstalled the Dropbox app and it wasn't opening up automatically on my MacBook on startup. Instead of the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling, the trick was to look in System Settings/General/Login Items

    In the upper 'Open at Login' section there was an existing item for Dropbox app, but it's icon was generic which implied that it was a 'leave behind' from previous installs. I removed that item (hit the - 'minus' button below) and then added a fresh instance of the updated Dropbox app (hit the + 'plus' button) from your applications directory.. you should see a fresh Dropbox icon in the list.. restart and you should be good to go.

    I'm on Macbook, OS v14.4.1, Dropbox v196.4.6900

  • Nancy's avatar
    Nancy
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Welcome aboard the Community, djmdivis!

     

    When did you notice this issue on your device? Were there any updates on your computer/Dropbox app recently, right before this behavior started? 

     

    Can you send me a screenshot of your desktop app preferences, as well?

     

    Keep me posted.

    • skisnkeys's avatar
      skisnkeys
      Explorer | Level 3

      I have the same problem.  It started when I reinstalled after factory resetting my MacBook and reinstalling dropbox.  I'm on 13.4.1 Ventura.  Same thing.  Shows as a startup item but doesn't start up.

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Hey skisnkeys, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

         

        May I ask if you have any antivirus or firewalls running on your computer? Also, when you access the app's preferences, under the General tab, do you see the Start Dropbox on system startup as enabled? 

         

        Also, what's the version of the desktop app on your computer as shown in your taskbar?

         

        Thanks!

  • 319heads's avatar
    319heads
    Explorer | Level 3

    Same issue here, Dropbox never starts automatically even though "Start Dropbox on system startup" is checked. Not running any anti-virus, etc. OSX Ventura 13.4

     

    • skisnkeys's avatar
      skisnkeys
      Explorer | Level 3

      I finally just reinstalled.  It was a bit laborious since everything had to resync.  But it does automatically start now.

       

       

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

      Happy to see that you were eventually able to resolve this, skisnkeys!

       

      As for your case, 319heads, can you first let us know if you're using the new version of the Dropbox app for macOS (with the Dropbox folder located in ~/Library/CloudStorage/)?

      • 319heads's avatar
        319heads
        Explorer | Level 3

        Using Dropbox v184.4.6543

        My Dropbox folder is in Users/username/Dropbox

  • teresarivasbrea's avatar
    teresarivasbrea
    New member | Level 2

    Since I installed the beta version on mac (sonoma 14.4), every time I turn on my computer, dropbox does not start. I have to log out of dropbox and log back in. Any cause for this to happen?

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

      Hey teresarivasbrea, thanks for reaching out to us.

       

      Can you make sure that the option to start Dropbox on system startup is checked in the "general" tab of the Dropbox preferences?

       

      If it is, you can try what worked for BiLC here, to see if that helps you too.

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