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Forum Discussion

Blackthorne's avatar
Blackthorne
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

Dropbox for macOS - compatibility with mixed OS versions

Just received the "Update to Dropbox for macOS" message. On reading other messages here I see that while my desktop machine can run Dropbox for macOS because it uses OS 12.6.2, my older laptop can only be updated as far as OS 12.3.1 which is under the 12.5 cutoff.

Should I install Dropbox for macOS on my desktop anyway because the two versions play nice or should I leave the old version everywhere on the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" principle?

  • Nancy's avatar
    Nancy
    2 years ago

    Hi Blackthorne! I hope you’re doing well. 

     

    Even in the case where the older device can’t have the new Dropbox update for Mac, it should still be able to sync your files as it used to and you can update it to newer Dropbox app versions, like before.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hey there, Blackthorne, thanks for posting here! 

     

    You can definitely use the new update with your desktop machine. This is an update to ensure that Dropbox continues working seamlessly on your device, so I would suggest that you follow through with it. 

     

    It's always best to have both your OS and Dropbox app up-to-date, even if they're using different OS versions and one is a bit older. However, it's all up to you. 

     

    I hope this clarifies. 

    • Blackthorne's avatar
      Blackthorne
      Explorer | Level 3

      Thank you. I'm sure it works great on my desktop machine but the question is: are the two systems now evolving separately? I don't have the choice to update the OS on the laptop so it won't be able to run the Dropbox for macOS. If the new system evolves away from the old to the point at which they are no longer compatible I should keep the old version on all devices.

      It's not always a good idea to have the latest versions of apps and operating systems: sometimes you can orphan software that you have a large investment in for the sake of small changes that the latest (free) OS update brings.

      • Nancy's avatar
        Nancy
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Hi Blackthorne! I hope you’re doing well. 

         

        Even in the case where the older device can’t have the new Dropbox update for Mac, it should still be able to sync your files as it used to and you can update it to newer Dropbox app versions, like before.

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