Download and Use

Google Drive for Desktop

(formerly Google File Stream)

Videos:


So, what is Drive for Desktop?

Drive for Desktop is a new desktop application for accessing all your Google Drive files from a PC quicker using less disk space. It's essentially like the old Sync App, but it only downloads files as you use them rather than syncing a copy of your entire drive to your computer. In addition, this utility provides access to Team Drives.

How does it work?

With Drive for Desktop you can:

  • Quickly see all your Google Drive files in Finder/Explorer (including team owned files).

  • Browse and organize Google Drive files without downloading all of them to your computer.

  • Choose which files or folders you would like to make available offline.

  • Open files in common apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

How do I get started?

  1. Download the PC version of Google Drive for Desktop

  2. Play around! Use Drive for Desktop in your everyday work.

  3. Check out the Help Center if you have any issues.


A couple things you should know:

  • Copying or duplicating Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files does not currently work.

  • Google Docs files cannot be moved from the Google Drive desktop client to Team Drives.

  • You may occasionally encounter issues with the app closing down. Simply find Google Drive in your programs list from the Start Menu, and login to the app again.