Here's how to use Dropbox on Windows XP

2 min. read

Updated on October 4, 2023

updated on October 4, 2023

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.

Dropbox ended support for Windows XP in August 2016. On that day, all the Dropbox accounts linked to a Windows XP computer were signed out.

The good news is that although you’ve been signed out of your Dropbox account, no changes have been made to your account. In other words, all your files and photos are intact and you can access them from a compatible device.

Dropbox killed support for Windows XP because this old OS version doesn’t allow it to bring additional features, better performance, and enhanced security features. As a quick reminder, Microsoft itself ended support for Windows XP in April 2014, and Dropbox did the same to keep its product offerings in-line.

Is there a workaround to use Dropbox on Windows XP?

Many Windows XP users confirm that the answer is yes. More specifically, all you need to do is run Dropbox in compatibility mode “Windows 2000” and you should be able to sign in.

Running XP here too, since there’s not been any workaround I tried to run dropbox in compatibility mode “windows 2000” and voila, signed in and working. Enjoy. […] Been running for a month now, still working.

Go to main drive/program files/dropbox/client > you’ll find two blue Dropbox logos > one is the .exe file and the other is the Uninstaller
Right click on the .exe file > select Properties > click the Compatibility tab > change it to Compatibility mode for Windows 2000.

Other users rely on a third tool to connect Dropbox to Windows XP. One such tool is Goodsync, which even offers a few extra features.

I found it in GoodSync. It’s a piece of backup software that works with USB Drives and various cloud services, including Dropbox.
Works great and has many more features than standalone Dropbox.

If you’ve found other workarounds to make Dropbox compatible with Windows XP, use the comment section below to tell us more about your experience.

RELATED STORIES YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT:

More about the topics: dropbox, windows XP

Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies -- AI and DNA computing in particular. Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.