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For example, if there’s a particular folder that contains items you always want available, you may select it and then right-click (on Windows) or control-click (on macOS), then adjust the offline access to make it available offline.įigure B In the Google Drive for desktop app, you may choose either to Stream or Mirror files between Google Drive and your local storage. Importantly, even if you select the stream option, you may manually select folders and files to sync. This option means you may use a computer with very little local storage and instead rely on Google Drive basically as a remote cloud drive. When you choose to stream, the Drive for desktop app still shows you everything stored on Google Drive, but only downloads items as needed. If you have a reliable internet connection, I recommend most people choose the stream setting. Bad news: You may need to monitor your storage. Good news: That means you’ll have access to all of your mirrored files–even when you’re offline. If you choose the Mirror option, the system syncs your Google Drive storage with your system. Choose to mirror files only when you are certain you have enough local storage space for a local copy of everything you have on your Google Drive. With Drive for desktop, you may choose either to Stream or Mirror files from Drive to your device ( Figure B).

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The Drive for desktop app obviates all of that: Just navigate with the standard file system controls to work with Google Drive files.įigure A The Google Drive for desktop app lets you access files and folders on Drive from your local file system, as shown here in the Windows 10 File Explorer (upper left image) and macOS Finder (lower right image). Or, conversely, go through similar steps and then select a file to upload it.

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Without the Drive for desktop app, you would have had to open a browser, go to, select a file, then download it to your device. That means you may open and save items from Drive much as you would other files on your system. The Drive for desktop app lets you browse Drive folders and files, just as you browse files and folders stored on your device’s local storage ( Figure A). You’ll have local file system access to Google Drive. SEE: Electronic communication policy (TechRepublic Premium) 1. If you can’t access the Drive for desktop app with an organizational account, ask your Workspace administrator to review settings in the Admin console | Apps | Google Workspace | Drive and Docs | Google Drive for desktop.)

( Note: Keep in mind that a Google Workspace administrator may control organizational access to Drive for desktop. The following sections cover key points of each of these features. Fourth, you may now sign in to as many as four different Google accounts at once, which gives you access to files and distinct configuration options for each account. Third, Drive for desktop also offers the ability to backup photos (including screenshots and RAW photos) to Google Photos. Second, it allows you to select and sync files and folders between your device and Google Drive. First, it lets you access Google Drive from your local system (i.e., either Apple’s Finder on macOS or Microsoft’s File Explorer on Windows) without the need to open a web browser. Once installed, the Google Drive for Desktop app delivers four key features for people who use Windows or macOS devices.

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What's hot at TechRepublicĬhatGPT cheat sheet: Complete guide for 2023Ħ best alternatives for 2023 (Free & Paid)ĬhatGPT is the fastest-growing area of interest for professional learners, Udemy reports On Windows, the app appears in the system tray (lower right corner), while on macOS, the app displays in the menu bar (top of the screen). The app may be added to a system either by an individual or deployed by an administrator to organization-managed devices. The app handles tasks previously offered in two separate apps, the Google Drive File Stream app and the Backup and Sync app. The Google Drive for Desktop app gives people who use Windows or macOS devices streamlined access to Google Drive folders and files. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page.

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GOOGLE DRIVE FOR DESKTOP ON MAC INSTALL

Google Drive for Desktop app: 4 reasons why you should install itĪndy Wolber thinks that Google Drive for Desktop is a must-install app for people who use Google Workspace with Windows or macOS systems.

Google drive for desktop on mac