Save Disk Space and Manage Your File Storage - Dropbox (2024)

There are several ways to clear disk space or free up space on your computer. Methods include deleting files from the recycle bin, clearing duplicate or temporary files (for example, from your downloads folder), or performing a disk cleanup.

Another efficient way to free up space on your computer’s hard drive is by storing files you don’t access often in the cloud. With Dropbox, you can move the files and folders you’re not currently using to dropbox.com by making them “online-only”. This way, you can free up disk space on your hard drive and save storage space on your computer. You can also use our selective sync feature to choose which folders sync and which are stored on your computer.

Save Disk Space and Manage Your File Storage - Dropbox (2024)

FAQs

How do I free up disk space on Dropbox? ›

With Dropbox, you can move the files and folders you're not currently using to dropbox.com by making them “online-only”. This way, you can free up disk space on your hard drive and save storage space on your computer.

Why is Dropbox using so much disk space? ›

Typically, the main reason for Dropbox using too much memory on Mac or Windows is that there are too many files in the Dropbox folder and you keep all of them locally available. The following 4 methods can help to work you out.

What happens when Dropbox storage is full? ›

If your account goes over your storage space quota, our support team may contact you and let you know that you need to remove files to get back under quota. If you still don't bring your account under quota, your account may be closed or your files may be deleted.

What does it mean when it says there is not enough disk space? ›

Low disk space causes your computer to run slow and some software might not be able to work properly. This issue occurs when there is insufficient space on your hard drive.

How to free up disk space? ›

  1. Run Disk Cleanup.
  2. Free up disk space with Storage Sense (Windows 10)
  3. Uninstall non-essential applications and games.
  4. Move personal data to external hard drive.
  5. Save new personal files to another hard drive.
  6. Disable hibernation in Windows.
  7. Scan your computer with an anti-virus software.
Nov 21, 2023

Why doesn't deleting files free up space in Dropbox? ›

Deleted files don't count against your storage quota, so permanently deleting them won't free up space. If other Dropbox users have a copy of the files that you permanently delete, their copies won't be deleted.

Why does Dropbox say my hard drive is full? ›

If Dropbox is using too much disk space, you can use selective sync or make files online-only to help save space on your computer. Learn how to use selective sync to choose which folders sync to your hard drive. Learn how to make files and folders online-only.

How do I clean up Dropbox? ›

Delete a file or folder from your Dropbox account
  1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
  2. Tap Files in the bottom left.
  3. Tap the “…” (ellipsis) next to the file or folder you'd like to delete.
  4. Tap Delete.
  5. Tap Delete again to confirm.
Apr 26, 2024

How much storage do you get for free on Dropbox? ›

Get a Dropbox free account

Sign up for 2 GB of storage, and start accessing and sharing photos, documents, and other files from any device.

How do I fix disk space is full? ›

One of the easiest ways to clean up files you no longer need is by using Disk Cleanup. Open Disk Cleanup by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Disk Cleanup, and then, in the list of results, select Disk Cleanup. If prompted, select the drive that you want to clean up, and then select OK.

How do I get rid of insufficient disk space? ›

Free up space with Cleanup recommendations
  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.
  2. Review each of the categories, including Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps, and select the items you'd like to remove.

Why is my disk space full when I have nothing? ›

My hard drive is showing as full, but I haven't added any new files recently. What could be the reason? Temporary files generated by various applications or system processes can accumulate over time, occupying significant storage space. Use disk cleanup tools or manually delete temporary files to free up storage.

How can I get more free Dropbox space? ›

How to increase Dropbox storage space for free. To earn free storage space, you can complete the Dropbox getting started checklist or refer your friends, family, and coworkers. Note: Sharing a folder doesn't count as a referral.

How do I get my Dropbox full? ›

Delete the files you don't need

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If you need to free up cloud storage space, the easiest way to do this is by deleting files you no longer need.

Why is my Dropbox full and has stopped syncing? ›

All files uploaded to your Dropbox account must be smaller than the amount of storage space you have. For example, if your account has a storage quota of 2 GB, you can upload one 2 GB file or many files that add up to 2 GB. If you're over your storage quota, Dropbox will stop syncing.

Why is Dropbox using so much memory? ›

What causes Dropbox to use lots of memory (RAM)? The more files you have in your Dropbox folder, the more memory Dropbox needs to keep track of them. Note: Dropbox performance in File Explorer (Windows) and Finder (Mac) starts to decrease at around 300,000 synced files.

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