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Why can't I download files and folders from Dropbox to my computer?

I am new!

this system as presently experienced is worthless ---so it can't be right? Can't download any folder or file unless through email

1)don't you have simple step by step instructions to download entire folder or pic without going through email
2)once email pic is received, there is no way to down load it --only drag to desktop giving an unacceptable file of 160kb per pic

where do i find instructions?

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Accepted answers

Walter

Hey @Korky K. ,

Thanks for reaching out!

The "Downloads" folder is a default one where all the downloads you initiate from your browser go to. This is specific to your browser (and computer) settings and is not related to Dropbox.

There are ways to change the default location of your (browser's) downloads depending on the one you use and you should be able to find more about how to do this using a web search. The option to change this can usually be found in your browser's preferences or advanced settings.

I hope this helps!

All comments

Hi there

Sorry for the delay - are you still having issues?

william b.41

my problem is simpler-can't download MP4s..they are there in the dropbox list but the option to download is not available. ISN'T THIS THE BASIC FUNCTION OF DROPBOX??!! WTF?

Hi William

For large files I'd advise you use the http://www.dropbox.com/downloadingso it can sync smoothly with your computer.

Todd W.11

Aside from using the Dropbox desktop client, what is the best way to download a file to my computer from the web client?

There is no obvious choice. I used to right-click and "download file" was an option.

I have clients that prefer to attach documents via email, and are not comfortable using share links, etc... with people they send files to.

Thanks!

Krishna C.1

>Doesn't show the download option . Why ? How to fix it ?</p>

JohnDropbox

Hi guys,

The reason the download option doesn't appear and is replaced by the "Open" option is because these files are already on your computer. This is because you have the Dropbox software on your computer and these files are already in your Dropbox folder.

So if you press "Open" the folder will open on your computer. This saves you having to download a file that is already on your computer.

Todd W.11

It appears "Download" is back now.

Thanks Ezio, it makes sense to open the file too, but I have some clients that cannot seem to wrap their heads around how Dropbox works and they were looking for an easy way to (re)download the file from the browser so they could attach to an email and were struggling finding a way to do that.

It's possible these are the same non-tech people that struggle understanding how Finder/Explorer works and may never understand how to organize files on a computer. I'm not sure what could be done to educate them.

Hollie M.

Please sos! I am desperately trying to download a wave file into my work software from Dropbox. It doesn't give me the download option, as it used to, so that I could select and download into my specific work software! That the hell??? Is there anyway I can get the download function back? And why did it change all of a sudden???!!!!

matt b.68

i want the option to download ANY file also. it seems really inconsistent. Im sure I used to be able to do this to any file. There are times when dropbox "thinks" the file its on my pc but it really isnt. Like when ive paused syncing, then forgotten its paused and broken a file. To revert and open previous version requires me to sync heaps of data

Australian internet means sometimes i cant work on the file i want. 1-2mb a second max in sydney on ADSL2+

Karen E.4

I can't seem to download a file I received through Dropbox. It only allows me to copy it and then it won't let me paste it anywhere.

reiner w.2

I can't download or share my folders over 1GB anyomore?? This is a disaster!!! I have been a heavy user since the beginning, and now I am really using it as it should, on the go, I can't use the service anymore... Worse, I really relied on this. In short, I'm fucked. Thank you very much Dropbox. You pretty much fucked me on my trip

Kim A.10

The file is not already on my computer unless I am in my Dropbox account. I need to free up space in my DP account and want to download the files on to my computer to do so. I do not want to individually download 300 photos. How do I download the files so I can delete the folders on my dropbox?

Kim A.10

Never mind. Just realized the file was in folders, and I didn't realize that. Got it now.

John M.168

I have a large folder (120Gb) I do not keep it on my desktop folder as it is too big for my HD. I want to Download the entire file to a separate disk on this desktop but i cannot find a direct way to back up my folder from the web?

Can you advise

JJM

Jackie M.17

Why the heck are there all these questions on here and nobody is getting an answer?

Frankie L.

I have the same problem with my clients. I used to work with dropbox and video files to my clients (big high quality masters) and they could work with my share folder link or direct link to the file without a problem. Now Dropbox has decided to cut down the service to such small sizes that it makes no sense to continue paying for it. I'm really looking for options and opting out of Dropbox.

Linda G.25

I'm having the same problem of not being able to download a folder or multiple single files at one time. The Help file said sign in to Dropbox website to download, not my desktop app.There is no download option. I want to add my photos and screenshots to a Blu-ray disc for an alternate storage site and to free up Dropbox space.

Are answers ever given by Dropbox staff in this forum or do we just wait for some other user to figure it out and let us know the answer?

Linda G.25

adedeji s.

I cant download the document I receive to my computer.....really don't just get it.

Kip K.

I had to have my laptop reformatted and a fresh copy Windows 10 had to be installed. I'm in the process of wanting to populate my data. (obviously, it cannot be sync to my computer)

How can I download two large folders, one at a time, onto my drive?

HyukJae Henry Y

Greetings,

I believe this goes beyond a small technical nuisance.

If you do not take care of this "small' problem, I am afraid that Dropbox is no longer relevant to cloud computing, at least for me and others who work with large files.

Like many people, I have very little room on the drive on my computer which the Dropbox can sync to.

On my Dropbox cloud, there are a series of folders which contain photos, videos, and documents with graphics which are all large in size. They are project files which need to be intermittently downloaded to be worked on for clients. These folders are cannot be constantly synced with the drive on my computer due to the fact that I do not have such room on my computers, but nevertheless need to be downloaded from time to time in order to work with them.

No longer having the download option available means that I no longer have the means to work with these files.

At this point, in order to have viable working access to these files, I need to re-format the drives on my computers to free up the amount of room as large as the folders(which is costly and probably impossible due to the size required), and then sync the folders to have Dropbox allow the files to be present and accessed locally on my computer. Since I need to work on them in more than one location, I will need to do this to every computer I am using, including my laptops. It will be difficult or impossible to even purchase hard drives large enough to contain these files for most of the computers I work with.

What does this mean? This means that any large set of files that I need to work with cannot be present within the Dropbox ecosystem.

This is not a workable system. It's not cloud computing in any reasonable sense.

Dropbox folks, if you are listening, do you realize this problem? Whether you do or not, we need a solution to this problem other than your simplistic answer to sync the files. Syncing the files as the only way to have access them locally is not a viable or relevant alternative for me or anyone who works with large files.

I realize that you may have the motivation to limit the amount of storage space your users are taking up on your cloud, as it ends up costing you more. And by not providing the download option, you are forcing the users to no longer put large files on Dropbox. If you charge a premium for the download ability feature, I will gladly consider it. Personally, I think that the Pro account should allow download capability.

And by not providing the download option, you are forcing the users to no longer put large files on Dropbox.

If you have to charge a premium to have the download ability feature, I will gladly consider it. Personally, I think that the Pro account should allow download capability. If you pay for more storage space, shouldn't it also have the option for having workable access to the files?

Please provide an answer and a solution to this non-trivial problem.

Sincerely,

HHY

azian m.

Same here, I cannot download my own Word file form dropbox into my computer. Helpppppp?

Rod W.4

Why hasn't dropbox answered this question

The option used to be there

I will consider cancelling dropbox and moving to icloud or google etc so that I can work with this idea as I do it when going to clients to save carrying files or large files

Having the mirror of dropbox on PC is just crap - that's not the way I want to work

So bloody frustrating!!!!!

If no answer I cancel account and leave this month and also tell others

jeffinlodi

The goal of Dropbox is to get people to buy more space; functionality is not an issue for them. I've never seen a more complicated method of sharing files. They don't wish it to be a functional tool, but solely a personal storage device.

I can't share files with people, because I have an account with more capacity. If my friends don't have adequate capacity, they can't download the file, because it exceeds THEIR capacity. That is ridiculous. I've complained to Dropbox about this several times, and after telling me they 'thank me for me feedback', they don't give a **bleep**.

They want to force you to use the 'client' so you then need to upgrade your capacity. This is not a flaw, it's their goal.

Terence W.2

But they are older version on one computer versus another - and if you wan to download a file quickly versus going through the pain of syncing then there is no option. Useless. How on earth is losing "Download" a good idea? Imagine - the most basic function plus there is the issue that certain file types cannot be opened by dropbox.

Mark

Download is still there Terence. Simply press the button that says 'Download' or, if necessary the [...] and THEN download.

If you see open then what is happening is Dropbox KNOWS that file is available on your computer and so it is saying 'we will open it locally for you' or 'via the website'

Frank F.13

I have been a Dropbox user for many years. But this issue reminds me of why I left Hightail for Dropbox. It seems functionality that I got used to kept being chipped away. I KNOW THE FILES ARE ON MY COMPUTER, but there are times I need a simple DOWNLOAD option for reasons enumerated in these posts. What is the problem?

We used to have it. And I get the download option when I select multiple files, but THERE IS NO OPTION AVAILABLE if I simply select one file or folder to download! Why can I download two or more selcted files, BUT NOT ONE??? It makes no sense and is frustrating enough that after nearly ten years with Dropbox, I'm looking for something else.

I don't need to hear why you folks at Dropbox feel this is the proper way to work. I work the way I work, and if you can't fix this, then I'll find someone who can.

Mark

Frank.

You can. The option is there and has never been removed - in fact its been made clearer.

On the website click the white space next to the file name so it highlights (as you would do to select multiple file) and then on the right hand side a big Download button appears.

Or, as I said above, if you are in a preview of the file click on [...] and select 'Download'.

Frank F.13

Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. When I left click or right click on the white space either before or after the file name, no option for download appears.

If I select 2 files, I get a download option. If I select one file or folder, there is NO DOWNLOAD option, no matter where I click.

Mark

Something is wrong with the browser then..... have you tried a different one? Maybe try incognito mode. Its a left click right next to the file name (same as you'd press for two files).

Also, remember though as I said you can preview the files and open that way.

If highlighting one isnt working to get a download could you post a screen shot of that (or a link to it in your folders?)