How to enable LAN sync in the Dropbox on Windows 11
Dropbox LAN sync lets you transfer files directly between computers on your local network, speeding up syncing significantly.
LAN stands for Local Area Network. It’s your home or office network connecting computers and devices through Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables to the same router.
This feature acts like a shortcut, sending files straight from one PC to another instead of going through the internet. This is especially helpful if you have large files or slow internet connections.
When Dropbox detects another computer on your network with the same file, it can use LAN sync for faster transfers. This works even if you’re using Dropbox on multiple PCs in your house or office.
To enable LAN sync in Dropbox on Windows 11, click the Dropbox icon in the system tray, select your profile picture, then Preferences, and finally toggle on the LAN Sync option in the Network tab. This allows Dropbox to sync directly between computers on your local network for faster transfers.
How LAN Sync Works
Dropbox LAN sync lets your computer share files directly with other computers on your home or work network. Instead of sending files over the internet, which can be slow, Dropbox sends them directly between your devices. This makes syncing large files or many files much faster.
Turning On LAN Sync in Dropbox
Setting up LAN sync is simple in the Dropbox desktop app. The steps are almost the same for Windows and macOS. We’ll show you the steps for Windows, but Mac users can find the same options in their Dropbox preferences.
Step 1Find the Dropbox Icon
Step 2Access Your Preferences
After clicking the Dropbox icon, a menu will appear. In the bottom-left corner of this menu, click your profile picture or initials. This opens another menu with more options.
Step 3Go to Network Settings
In the menu that appears after clicking your picture, choose Preferences. This opens the main Dropbox settings window. In the Preferences window, find and click the tab labeled Network.
Step 4Turn On LAN Sync
And with that, LAN sync is turned on. Dropbox will now try to use your local network to sync files with other Dropbox users on the same network, which can make syncing much faster.
A Quick Tip for Faster Syncing
Dropbox LAN sync speeds up file transfers, especially for large files or multiple computers. This Dropbox feature uses your local network for transfers, which is faster than using the internet. You will likely notice a big speed improvement, particularly when updating files that are already synced.
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Summary
Dropbox LAN sync, a feature in the desktop app, speeds up file transfers between computers on the same network. By turning LAN sync on in Dropbox Preferences, you allow Dropbox to send files directly between your devices instead of using the internet. This change significantly cuts down sync times, especially for large files.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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