HOW-TO: Change file library locations to Google Drive for Desktop

Changing the default file library locations (such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to Google Drive for Desktop (formerly Backup and Sync) can help ensure your files are backed up and accessible across devices. Here’s how to do it on both Windows and macOS:

Windows

1. Set Up Google Drive for Desktop:
   1. Download and install Google Drive for Desktop from the Google Drive website.
   2. Open Google Drive for Desktop and sign in with your Google account.
   3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. Move Default Folders to Google Drive:
   1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your Google Drive folder. It’s usually located at C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Google Drive.
   2. Inside the Google Drive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
3. Change Default Locations:
   1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents).
   2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Properties.”
   3. Go to the “Location” tab.
   4. Click “Move” and select the corresponding folder in Google Drive (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Google Drive\Documents).
   5. Click “Select Folder,” then “Apply,” and confirm by clicking “Yes” when asked if you want to move all files to the new location.
   6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

macOS

1. Set Up Google Drive for Desktop:
   1. Download and install Google Drive for Desktop from the Google Drive website.
   2. Open Google Drive for Desktop and sign in with your Google account.
   3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. Move Default Folders to Google Drive:
   1. Open Finder and navigate to your Google Drive folder. It’s usually located at ~/Google Drive.
   2. Inside the Google Drive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
3. Change Default Locations:
   1. Open Finder and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., ~/Documents).
   2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Make Alias.”
   3. Drag the original folder (e.g., Documents) into the corresponding folder in Google Drive (e.g., ~/Google Drive/Documents).
   4. Drag the alias you created to the original location (e.g., ~/Documents).
   5. Rename the alias to match the original folder name (e.g., Documents).
   6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

Syncing with Google Drive

After changing the default locations, Google Drive for Desktop will start syncing these folders automatically. You can access and manage your files from any device where you have Google Drive installed and signed in with your Google account.