FAQs
With Dropbox Backup, your folders and files from your computer or external hard drives* are automatically backed up to the cloud and you can quickly recover your content if something goes wrong.
How do I set up a backup in Dropbox? ›
To set up your computer to back up:
- Open your Dropbox desktop app preferences.
- Click the Backups tab.
- Click Set up. ...
- Check the folders you'd like to back up. ...
- Click Set up and follow the steps.
Yes. Download Dropbox to get the most out of your account, including computer backup. Use the desktop app to keep all your content together in one place: files, folders and now backups of your Mac or PC.
What's the difference between Dropbox and Dropbox backup? ›
What is the difference between cloud backup and cloud storage? Cloud backup makes secure, up-to-date copies of files on your computer that you can access from anywhere you use Dropbox. Cloud backup doesn't free up storage space on your computer or provide additional storage space.
Is Dropbox a reliable backup? ›
Our Dropbox Backup solution provides encrypted, secure, and immutable backup on AWS S3 storage for all of your Dropbox data and metadata. Reduce downtime and recover ASAP with unlimited retention and recovery from any point in time.
Can Dropbox be used as a backup service? ›
Rest easy – we've got your back. Dropbox enables you to back up your files, photos and videos to keep them safe and easy to recover – no matter what happens to your hardware.
What is the best way to backup my entire computer? ›
We recommend backing up your computer in multiple ways so you have both an onsite and an offsite backup. You can back up to an external drive, use an online backup service, back up to a NAS over your local network, or even try a cloud storage service. Everyone loses data at some point in their lives.
Can I backup my entire computer to the cloud? ›
Effortlessly back up your files to the cloud. Set up PC folder backup and OneDrive will automatically back up and sync all the files in your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
How do I copy files from Dropbox to an external hard drive? ›
Way 1: Use the Dropbox Web App
- Step 1: Sign in to Dropbox. Sign in to your Dropbox on the web, and locate what you want to backup.
- Step 2: Download the data. Select the files or folders you decide to backup, and then hit the Download tab. ...
- Step 3: Drag and drop to the external hard drive.
To download multiple files or folders at once:
- Log in to dropbox.com.
- Hover over one of the files or folders you'd like to download. ...
- Click the checkbox next to that file or folder.
- Click the checkboxes next to the file(s) and/or folder(s) you'd like to download.
- Click Download.
Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Click the Sync history tab near the top. Dropbox Backup users will see Sync and backups instead.
Does Dropbox backup take up space? ›
Does my backup take up storage space in my Dropbox account? With the Dropbox Backup plan, you receive as much space as you need to back up one computer and one external hard drive. On other plans, such as Dropbox Basic or Plus, the size of your backups are limited by the storage quota of the plan.
What is the downside of Dropbox? ›
The biggest drawback of Dropbox security is the absence of zero-knowledge encryption in its personal accounts. This means Dropbox and its employees hold the encryption key for your account, and their staff can access your data anytime without your knowledge.
Where are Dropbox backup files stored? ›
Dropbox Backup lets you back up any file or folder on your computer's home folder to the cloud. Once your files are backed up with Dropbox Backup, you can access them from dropbox.com/backup/all.
How to take a backup of Dropbox? ›
Click Let's get started (computer) or Back up [drive name] (external hard drive). Check the boxes next to the folders you'd like to back up. Click Set up or Back up. If you're on a Mac, click OK when prompted to give Dropbox permission to access your folders.
Do my files automatically save to Dropbox? ›
Your file will automatically sync to your Dropbox.
How do I stop Dropbox from automatically backing up my files? ›
Step 1: Click the Dropbox icon on your taskbar or menu bar.
- Step 2: Tap on your profile and choose “Preferences…”. ...
- Step 3: Choose “Backup” in the upper menu and press the “Manage backups” button. ...
- Step 4: Uncheck the folders that you chose before (Dropbox backups these folders) and click “Save”.
Cloud file sync is available on multiple devices and platforms, from Windows and Mac to mobile devices like iPhone, iPad and Android via the Dropbox mobile app. Newly saved or updated files are automatically synced everywhere, so you don't have to spend time emailing the latest versions to collaborators.
