How to download and install the Dropbox desktop app

Mac App Store: Click a Button to Install an App. We’re all used to app stores on our phones, but on the desktop they remain an oddity. Still, the Mac App Store is a decent first place to check. Open the store, search for the app you want, and click “Get” then “Download.”.

Once installed, you’ll be prompted to either sign in or create a new account.

How to install the desktop app with admin privileges

The Dropbox desktop app requires admin privileges to run with full functionality on your computer. This enables multiple different core features of Dropbox, including:

• Sync icons that show the sync status of files and folders
• Right-click context menus for taking quick actions in Dropbox
• Access to Smart Sync

For the vast majority of users, the desktop app is automatically installed with admin privileges. However, if you didn't install with admin privileges you can follow the instructions below to do so.

Note: If you don't have admin rights on your computer (for example if you're using a work computer), you may need to ask your IT department for help.

Install the Dropbox desktop app with admin privileges

1. If you already have Dropbox installed, uninstall the application.
2. Open the installer.
   • Do not right-click, and do not command-click Run as an Administrator
3. Follow the instructions in the install wizard.
   • If you’re asked for an administrative username and password, enter them or contact your administrator to sign in.
   • If you’re not asked for an administrative username and password, you’re already an admin on your computer.
4. Complete the installation and sign in to Dropbox.

Smart Sync and admin privileges

Some Dropbox users will have access to Smart Sync. If you have access to this feature, check that Dropbox is installed with admin privileges on each computer where the feature will be used.

Depending on the policies at your organization, your team members may be able to install Dropbox with admin privileges on their own. If not, they may need the assistance of your IT team.

Why does the Dropbox desktop app for macOS require Keychain access?

Keychain is a password management system for Apple's macOS. Dropbox requires access to your Keychain to help verify your account and to provide another layer of security over the Dropbox app settings.

• To grant Keychain access to Dropbox, click Allow or Always Allow (recommended for seamless access) when prompted to do so from macOS.
• Clicking Deny will result in a 'Couldn't start Dropbox' error message. For security reasons, Dropbox will not start without access to your Keychain.

What is the Dropbox Web Helper for macOS?

Dropbox Web Helper supports the Dropbox user interface on macOS computers. It only runs when the desktop app is running. Dropbox Web Helper is an independent process, so it may start and stop at different times than the desktop app. If you adjust your firewall or antivirus software for Dropbox, we recommend similar adjustments for Dropbox Web Helper.

• You can add Google Drive to your desktop on a PC in addition to using it on a web browser.
• Adding the Google Drive app to your desktop will enable you to sync your documents and files from your computer to Google Drive.

Google Drive is popular for its free programs, ease of access, and compatibility with Gmail and other Google products.

You can download Google Drive to your PC desktop as well, enabling your computer to sync your files with Google Drive automatically.

Here's how to add Google Drive to your desktop using a PC.

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How to add Google Drive to your PC desktop

1. If you are logged in to your Google account on an internet browser, you must log out temporarily to install Google on your desktop.

2. Once you have logged out, go to drive.google.com and scroll down to the bottom of the webpage. Under the 'Downloads' column, click on 'Drive for Mac/PC.'

3. A new tab will open. Next to the 'For Individuals' banner, click on 'Download.'

4. A pop-up window will appear. Click the 'Agree and Download' button.

5. A program called 'installbackupandsync.exe' will begin downloading in your internet browser.

6. Click on the program, and it should begin installing once it has finished downloading.

7. Once the installation is complete, click 'Close' to exit the pop-up window.

8. Google Drive should now appear on your desktop. Look for a window called 'Welcome to Backup and Sync' and click on the 'Get Started' button.

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9. Type in your Gmail address, click 'Next,' and then type in your Gmail password. Click 'Next' when you are finished.

10. Set your laptop's preferences for upload quality and file size. When you are finished, click 'Next.'

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11. Set your Google Drive syncing preferences. You can sync the entirety of your computer to Google Drive, or select specific folders to sync. Once you are finished, click 'Start.'

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After Google Drive is downloaded to your desktop, you will also see shortcuts to Drive programs such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

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