Re: How to turn off syncing?

Jon L.9 · ‎08-16-2015

I just discovered today that Dropbox automatically copies everything in my Dropbox storage to my local harddrive. I have no idea why this is a default feature, since automatically copying 1TB of files to my computer defeats the entire point of having cloud storage.

Is there a way to disable syncing altogether? I am perfectly capable of uploading and downloading my files on an as-needed basis.

Mark · ‎08-16-2015

I have no idea why this is a default feature, since automatically copying 1TB of files to my computer defeats the entire point of having cloud storage

This is because this is the whole point of Dropbox - it is what it was designed and intended to do. It is not 'just' cloud storage. It is a syncing tool. It is supposed to sync everything between computers.

To disable syncing to the computer close and/or remove the Dropbox application from your machine and just use the website to upload and download

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Mark · ‎08-16-2015

I have no idea why this is a default feature, since automatically copying 1TB of files to my computer defeats the entire point of having cloud storage

This is because this is the whole point of Dropbox - it is what it was designed and intended to do. It is not 'just' cloud storage. It is a syncing tool. It is supposed to sync everything between computers.

To disable syncing to the computer close and/or remove the Dropbox application from your machine and just use the website to upload and download

- - - -

Did this post help you? If so please mark it for some Kudos below.

Did this post fix your issue/answer your question? If so please press the 'Accept as Solution' button to help others find it.

Did this post not resolve your issue? If so please give us some more information so we can try and help - please remember we cannot see over your shoulder so be as descriptive as possible!

Jon L.9 · ‎08-16-2015

Is there a way to not sync everything in my Dropbox account, but rather only sync select files? To opt out of syncing and only opt-in for specific files?

I've looked into Selective Syncing, but it doesn't load the folders in my account; It only loads one "Dropbox" folder with the message "Trying to connect to Dropbox..."

Mark · ‎08-16-2015

You can use selective sync,

And if you are getting that message something is causing issues on your machine with Dropbox's connection (firewall/antiviruses etc.)

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Yvonne C.3 · ‎02-22-2016

I need to manually sync as I live remotely and pay for data.

I successfully turned of synchronizing and now that I am in a wifi zone have updated, but now I cant find where to turn it off again!

I thought is was in the preferences file but can't find it.

help?

Yvonne C.3 · ‎02-22-2016

ps nowhere in your HELP does it answer this question.

there is only information of pausing and resuming a sync....

[This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Dropbox Community here.]