How to Delete PC Backups in Dropbox on Windows 11

This guide explains how to remove computer backups from Dropbox on Windows 11.

Dropbox is a service that saves your files to the internet. This keeps your data safe and allows you to access it from anywhere.

You can change many settings in the app, such as starting Dropbox on system startup, disabling Dropbox startup in the background, adding Microsoft Office add-in, turning notifications on or off, managing backups, automatic backups on or off, renaming backup device name, changing backup frequency, choosing back up folders, moving backup folder location, and enabling camera upload for photos and videos.

Why delete a backup?

You might want to delete a backup if you are no longer using a specific computer. It is also a great way to free up storage space. Finally, if you think your account is not safe, deleting old backups helps protect your information.

What happens when you are done?

When you delete a backup, the files are removed from the cloud. However, your actual files and folders will stay safely on your computer.

How to delete a PC backup

Follow these steps to remove a device from your Dropbox backup list:

1. Open the Dropbox window from the bottom right corner of your taskbar.

2. Click the Settings (gear icon) and select Preferences.

3. Go to the Backups tab. Click the Manage backups button under the “This PC” section.

4. If you have already set this up, select My PC (GenericName) under the Sync and backups tab.

5. This opens your browser. Find the tile that says Delete your My PC (GenericName) backup.
6. Click the Delete backup button.

6. A window will pop up. Click Confirm to finish. Note: This process may require admin privileges if your system settings restrict application changes.

Summary

You can easily manage your storage by removing old computer backups from Dropbox. This process deletes the copies stored online but keeps all your original files on your computer. Always double-check before confirming to ensure you are removing the correct device.