How to Remove Files from Dropbox Without Deleting Them

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to remove files from your computer without deleting them from Dropbox.

Quick summary

You can remove files from your local computer without permanently deleting them by using Dropbox's selective sync feature — the files remain fully accessible in Dropbox online. This method frees up local disk space while keeping all your data safely stored in the cloud.

Steps

Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar, then select "Preferences."
Go to the "Sync" tab and click "Select folders" to open the selective sync settings.
Uncheck the folders you want to remove from your computer — they will be removed locally but remain available in Dropbox online.
Click "Update" to apply your folder selection changes.
Select "Confirm" to finalize and complete the selective sync update.

📌 Why this matters

Dropbox's selective sync feature lets users reclaim local storage space without permanently losing files — removed folders stay fully accessible in Dropbox online. This is especially valuable for teams and individuals managing large file libraries on laptops or devices with limited disk space. Understanding how to use selective sync helps users avoid accidental data loss while keeping their cloud storage organized. It gives you granular control over which files live on your device versus in the cloud, making Dropbox a flexible solution for storage management.

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