Install Dropbox To Share Files Between Linux And Windows

Today we will see how to install Dropbox to be able to use it without any type of problem in dual boot systems. There are many users who have a dual boot with windows and one of the many existing Linux distros. To be able to access Dropbox content in both Linux and windows without having to duplicate the content, we have to install Dropbox in the following way:

STEP 1. Mount the NTFS or FAT partition properly so that Dropbox works on both Windows and Linux

  1. The location of the Dropbox folder must be an NTFS unit that is accessible through Windows and through Linux. In my case, it is a partition in NTFS format of 200 gigabytes that I use for both Linux and Windows in order to store information.
  2. In Linux for Dropbox to work properly in an NTFS partition, it must be mounted on the system boot. To mount the NTFS partition properly and with the corresponding permissions consult the following link:

STEP 2. Install Dropbox in each of the operating OS that we have inside the same computer

  • Download the appropriate package depending on the operating system we are using. To do so, consult the following link:

Dropbox

  • Once the file is downloaded, we proceed to its installation through the package installer available to our team. This post shows the installation process in GNU Linux. For windows the process is similar. In the following images you can see the steps to follow:
dropbox integration for nautilus
  • Install the downloaded package from the dropbox page using any existing package installer. In my case I used Gdebi.
  • Once the package is installed, we execute the following command in the terminal:
dropbox start -i
dropbox installer
  • As you can see in the image when typing the command, the Dropbox installation will begin.
install dropbox
  • Once the installation process is finished, you only need to configure the account. In my case As I already have an account created so I choose the option “I already have an account created” and we give it to next.
dropbox login form
  • We enter the details of our account that we already have created and we give Next. In the case of having to create a new account, the process is very simple.
upgrade to dropbox
  • We chose our type of account. In my case, the 2GB and we give the following.
dropbox choose setup type
  • We chose advanced settings to be able to install our dropbox folder in the NTFS location.​
dropbox advanced setup
  • In the advanced configuration, we indicate the path where we want to locate the Dropbox synchronization folder. In our case, we will place it in an NTFS unit that is common in both Windows and Linux. When we repeat the installation process in Windows we must indicate exactly the same route.
  • Then in my case, I choose what I want to synchronize all the folders. It is your choice. We give you to install.
dropbox folder
  • We have finished installing Dropbox. We just need to follow the guided tour. In my case, I will choose to skip the guided tour.
dropbox installation done

Conclusion

We have already completed the necessary steps to install Dropbox. Now we simply have to install Dropbox in Windows. During the installation process, it is important that we choose the same folder location as in Linux. In this way, we will be able to use Dropbox in a Dual boot system without having to duplicate the content in the hard disk.

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3 Comments Text
  • Hi,

    This doesn’t work for me, and I don’t think this method is valid anymore because Dropbox doesn’t support other file system than ext4 on Linux, ntfs for windows and apfs for Mac since Nov. 7 2018. This mean you can no longer share a Dropbox folder between windows and Linux system on dual boot since they don’t have supported file system in common anymore. Now it seems the article is dated from 7 months ago, which mean after the update, I’m curious how did you make it work? Did I miss something?

    • You did not miss anything. Recently we migrated the website due to which all the articles’ date got updated. This article does need an update and I will update it soon.

      Thanks for your suggestion.

  • One of the most useless articles I’ve met.
    to the author:
    Here’s a few fresh ideas for your future masterpieces:
    How to dig with a shovel.
    Slicing two pieces of bread with one knife. Full and detailed manual.

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