HOW-TO: Access Google Drive in File Explorer

To access Google Drive in File Explorer on Windows, you need to install and set up Google Drive for Desktop (formerly known as Google Drive File Stream). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Install Google Drive for Desktop:

1. Download Google Drive for Desktop:

   • Go to the Google Drive download page.

   • Under “For Individuals,” click on “Download” under “Drive for desktop.”

2. Run the Installer:

   • Once the file is downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Google Drive for Desktop.

3. Sign In:

   • After installation, you will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. Enter your credentials and complete the sign-in process.

Set Up Google Drive in File Explorer:

1. Open Google Drive for Desktop:

   • After signing in, Google Drive for Desktop will start automatically and create a Google Drive folder in File Explorer.

2. Access Google Drive:

   • Open File Explorer.

   • You should see “Google Drive” listed as a drive in the left-hand navigation pane. Click on it to access your Google Drive files.

3. Configure Preferences:

   • Click on the Google Drive icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).

   • Click on the gear icon and select “Preferences.”

   • Here, you can choose which folders to sync to your computer and other settings.

Sync Specific Folders (Optional):

1. Choose Folders to Sync:

   • In the Preferences window, you can select which My Drive folders and Shared drives you want to stream or mirror on your computer.

   • “Stream files” will make files available online-only (taking up minimal space), while “Mirror files” will store them locally for offline access.

2. Save Changes:

   • After selecting the folders, click on “Save” to apply the changes.

Using Google Drive in File Explorer:

• Online-Only Access: Files will appear in File Explorer, but will be downloaded on demand when you open them. This saves space on your local drive.

• Offline Access: If you need certain files offline, you can right-click on them and select “Available offline.” These files will be downloaded to your local drive.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection for initial setup and file synchronization.

• Update Software: Keep Google Drive for Desktop updated to the latest version for best performance and security.

• Reinstall if Needed: If you encounter issues, try reinstalling Google Drive for Desktop.

By following these steps, you can easily access and manage your Google Drive files directly from File Explorer on your Windows PC. If you have any specific issues or questions, feel free to ask!