Stop Dropbox from Auto-Starting on Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to stop Dropbox from automatically opening every time one logs into Windows 11.

Dropbox, a handy cloud storage that synchronizes your files across all devices, will automatically start every time a user signs into Windows. If you don’t always use Dropbox and want to turn off this behavior, the steps below will show you how.

When you install Dropbox on Windows 11, it automatically adds its icon on the taskbar. You can right-click the Dropbox app icon on the taskbar and close it. However, the next time you log back onto Windows 11, the Dropbox app will automatically start up.

If you don’t want the Dropbox app to start up automatically every time, use the steps below to prevent the Dropbox app from starting up when you log in.

Follow the steps below to disable Dropbox from starting up automatically on Windows 11.

How to prevent Dropbox from starting up automatically on Windows 11

As mentioned above, the Dropbox app will automatically open up by default when you sign into Windows. You can turn this behavior off when using Windows, and the steps below show you how to do that.

With Dropbox installed, you can turn off auto-start via the Task Manager. To do that, click the Start button and search for Task Manager. Under Best Match, click the Task Manager app.

Click the Startup tab. If you don’t see any tabs, click More Details first.

Next, look for Dropbox in the list, right-click it, and select Disable. Windows won’t open Dropbox automatically when you sign in anymore.

How to disable Dropbox auto start from the app

You can also disable Dropbox from automatically starting up on Windows from the app. Click the upward-facing caret on the taskbar to show the hidden app icons, then right-click the Dropbox add icon.

Click the Settings gear at the top right on the fly-out window, then select Preferences.

Under General, uncheck the highlighted box under the Preferences window that reads: Start Dropbox on system startup.

Click the OK button to save your settings and exit. That should do it!

Conclusion:

To ensure Dropbox does not automatically launch every time you log into Windows 11:

• Use the Task Manager to disable Dropbox from the Startup tab.
• Alternatively, access the Dropbox app settings and uncheck the option to start on system startup.
• Make sure to click OK to save your settings in the app.
• These steps allow you to manage your startup apps effectively, optimizing your boot time and workflow on your device.