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Selective Sync Missing under Sync tab

I just installed Dropbox for Windows 11. After installation, I noticed that all my files were syncing to my computer. I checked under preferences->Sync and I do not see selective sync as an option. I also right clicked a file and unsync is not an option either. Everything has a green check mark, no cloud.

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Megan

Hi @orion53, that should explain it!

Since you're on a Dropbox Basic plan, and using a Windows machine, then you'd need a paid plan to make files available online-only.

The option hasn't rolled out yet to Windows devices for Basic users. You could however use selective sync instead.

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Nancy

Hi @orion53! Hope you’re doing great, and thanks for posting here.

The selective sync settings should be indeed located under the Sync tab of your app preferences.

Can you please upload a screenshot of what you see there, so that I can take a look?

Let me know when you’re ready.

orion53

Below is what I see in the SYNC section of the Dropbox App. The version is 192.3.4572. I have tried multiple versions with the same results. I have uninstalled, deleted anything related to Dropbox in the programs folder and the appData folder, restarted and the reinstalled each time. I am running on Windows 11. I have 835GB of storage available and 32GB of RAM. I only have 1 Dropbox account on this computer as this is a new install. There are no other users on this computer. The Dropbox path is C:\Users\**myName**\Dropbox.

Screenshot 2024-02-05 153311.png

Megan

Hey @orion53, thanks for the screenshot!

In the picture that you uploaded, I can see the selective sync option. Do you get any errors when trying to click and follow the steps there?

Also, keep in mind that it sounds like you're using a beta version of our app. You might be experiencing some issues because of that.

If you wish to install a stable version, it'd help to go into your account settings on the Dropbox website and turn Early releases off. Once you do that, you can install our stable version.

orion53

Hi Meghan, as far as the version, this is what the Dropbox website downloaded for me from my account. I will try and reinstall again but looking at the screenshot I uploaded, selective sync is only able to sync folders or not at all (toggle to access locally on computer or not at all). I am looking for a way to keep files in the cloud and sync to my PC when I need access to the files to save storage space on my computer. So the files not synced to my PC will have a cloud icon and files synced will have a check. Also have the ability to sync back to the cloud when not used over a certain period.

Mark

@orion53 - you seem a tad mixed up over Dropbox terminology.

Selective Sync is exactly what you said above. Files are either showing on the device or not. Thats how its supposed to work.

What you need is Online Only setting up: https://help.dropbox.com/sync/make-files-online-only

However, it looks like your device isnt set up for it based upon that screenshot. Can you do it per file or folder as per help link above instead?

orion53

Hi @Mark , when I right click a file or folder it does not have the option for online only. I can do this on my Mac but on my pc I cannot. I am on the basic plan.

Megan

Hi @orion53, that should explain it!

Since you're on a Dropbox Basic plan, and using a Windows machine, then you'd need a paid plan to make files available online-only.

The option hasn't rolled out yet to Windows devices for Basic users. You could however use selective sync instead.

orion53

Ok, just so I understand correctly, it works on Mac for the basic plan but not windows? Is there an eta for this to come to windows?

Megan

Absolutely correct.

At the moment we don't have an ETA @orion53, but we'll make sure to jump in here, or any other related threads, and give you an update on this once we do.

If you need anything else, you know where to find us.