You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
Lynda C.3
10 years agoNew member | Level 1
Where is the gear icon on my Dropbox desktop app?
Anyone know where to find the gear icon on Dropbox?
I have Windows 10 and finally, finally found the gear icon and preferences. I agree that finding this should have been easier -- it should appear when one clicks the DropBox icon on one's desktop. But it doesn't. I created a very quick and dirty set of 4 screenshots that shows, in a very simple way (which is how I can understand these things) how I got to it. It starts with (1) the "show hidden icons" button that looks like an up arrow, on the lower right-hand corner of my screen (the area known as the "systems tray" - then (2) I clicked the DropBox icon (has a little check-mark on it) - then (3), a little box opens (labeled, "up to date" and lists "recently changed") and, lo and behold, the blasted gear icon appears in the upper right corner of it, so (4) I clicked that and got a dropdown menu that included "preferences." My very amateur set of screenshots is here:
- RichSuper User II
It's part of the Dropbox client you install on your computer. Click the Dropbox icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and the gear will be in the upper-right corner of the window that opens.
- Lynda C.3New member | Level 1
Ok, sorry I feel daft but what is systems tray. I have tried getting dropbox from browser and from 'pictures' I still don't see any gear icon. Much appreciate your patience with me.
- MarkSuper User II
The system tray is where your clock is on your computer.
It is usually bottom right on a Windows machine and top right on Mac's.
Ignore the website - its nothing to do with that
- barbjaxnNew member | Level 2
Thanks so much!!!! I was going nuts trying to figure it out.
- Anet G.New member | Level 1
The gear icon WAS on my system tray -- now, no more. How can I get it back?
- MarkSuper User II
Is Dropbox actually running then?
If not restart it.
- ChristineLHelpful | Level 5
Most helpful. I did not know what the systems tray was or where it was. Thanks you
- Claudia V.3New member | Level 1
Hi,
I saw the comment as to where is the gear for MAC, the problem is that I can't find the gear to look for preferences. Where is it? The only gear I see has nothing of Preferences in it.
It's on the top right corner of what? the finder? the computer?
thanks!!
- MarkSuper User II
Its in the Dropbox menu.
Click on the Dropbox icon then the gear icon.
- CarolynMelloExplorer | Level 3
I cannot find the gear icon. Where is it hidden?
- MarkSuper User IIHave you read the thread? It has been pointed out numerous times in screengrabs CarolynMello as to where it is.
If you still have issues you need to explain to us in more detail whats happening.
- Claudia V.3New member | Level 1
It's just that I can't find the gear. The only little gear I see has nothing with preferences in it.
Is it in finder? is it in the computer itself?
- MarkSuper User II
Its on the computer itself. On the Dropbox application.
Click on the Dropbox icon on the status bar (i.e. near the clock, usually top right). It is there.
- historian1689New member | Level 2
Hi. I have the Dropbox app. I have clicked the dropbox icon in the system tray. A window comes up. But there is no gearbox in the upper right hand corner of the window that has opened up. I am running on Windows 10. Thanks.
- RichSuper User II
It's this icon...
- Julianne L.New member | Level 1
I finally found this. Hopefully will help you to Claudia. It looks like on a Mac there are two dropbox icons (one in the Finder - this is the one I have been repeatedly trying but the drop down menu doesn't show the gear/cog icon; the other one - the one you need - is on the bar running across the very top of your screen. The dropbox icon sits there next to any other startup app icons. Click on this one, and you will find a menu with the gear icon).
About Apps and Installations
Have a question about a Dropbox app or installation? Reach out to the Dropbox Community and get solutions, help, and advice from members.
Need more support
If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.
For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.
If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!