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Do you use your Google Drive Trash as a storage folder? (Please don't do that - with any trash.) As of Oct 132020, Drive Trash will be emptied every 30 days, just like your other Google service trash folders. See https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375102. |
Google has two distinct Desktop applications 's Desktop application for syncing your data to between Google Drive and your Desktop . They are called is currently called Google Drive for Desktop.
Previously, there were two separate applications, Drive File Stream and and Backup and Sync.The differences between these two options and guidance as to which would work best for your needs is discussed below.
Which should you use?
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, which are now being unified. Read more at https://support.google.com/googleone/answer/10309431.
- Those using File Stream will simply see the name change to Google Drive for Desktop after an update (if they haven't already).
- Those using Backup and Sync will have 3 months to follow the directions Google intends to share for moving over to Drive for desktop, once it's ready.
Installing Drive for Desktop
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Download Drive for Desktop for PC Download Drive for Desktop for Mac Once you've downloaded the respective file for your Operating System, please open it and follow the on-screen instructions. Google recommends that you uninstall the deprecated version of Google Drive from your device before proceeding. Expand |
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| Once you open the installer and have approved the app making changes, you will see a little check box asking if you'd like to add a shortcut to your Desktop. We recommend doing this as it is the easiest way of navigating to the app after installation, but it is up to you. You most likely do not need the shortcuts to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, but you are welcome to leave that box checked. Image Added
After it has installed a window will open prompting you to log in. Click the button to "Sign in with browser". Choose your Drew account or "Use another account" and enter your Drew email address. Log in to the uLogin page if prompted. Image Added
Review the permissions you will be granting Google Drive for desktop and, if you agree, click Allow. The welcome window will open, giving you information about using Drive for desktop. The last screen gives you the option to "Open Google Drive folder". This will take you straight to the Google Drive folder. Within those folders are your files for both My Drive and Shared drives. If the Shared drives section is empty, you don't have any access to files in a Shared drive. Image Added
You will notice on your Desktop there will be an icon for Google Drive if you chose to add one during installation. Opening this will take you straight to your folders. There will also be a new icon in the System Tray at the bottom right of your screen. If you do not see it, you can click on the triangle on the left and it will show you all of the hidden icons. If you click on the Drive icon, it will give you an overview of the last few items that were synced and your synced status. If you click on the folder at the top, it will also open up to your Drive folders. Image Added Image AddedDrive for desktop uses a drive letter to show you your Google Drive files in the File Explorer. The default letter is "G". Drew's network drives are connected in a similar way so Drive for desktop may steal that spot from the network drive. If you use the network drives, please go to the settings and change it. - Click on the Drive icon in the system tray
- Click the Settings gear cog.
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- Change your default drive letter to E.
- NOTE: THE LIST OF LETTERS THAT YOU CAN PICK FROM ARE THE FREE LETTERS FOR YOUR SYSTEM. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU PICK THE LETTER E AS IT WILL BE LISTED BEFORE ALL OF YOUR NETWORK DRIVES IN THE FILE EXPLORER.
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- Click OK.
- Restart your computer (or choose Later).
Accessing your files this way is just like accessing files on a Network Drive. You will be able to stream the files to your computer and work on them locally without ever needing to store them too. Each item in your Drives has a little cloud in their icon. This indicates that the file is not on your computer. Right clicking on an item will give you the option to Open with Google Drive or, if you hover over Google Drive, the option to have files be available offline or online only. If you select available offline, it will start downloading to your computer. Image Added
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| WARNING: Users running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra), while File Stream is open, at the top left of your screen, go to Image Added Image Added System Preferences Image Added Security & Privacy. Next to "System software from developer 'Google, Inc.' was blocked from loading," click Allow.Note: These instructions still reflect the older Drive File Stream name. Please be patient as we update them! Once Drive File Stream is installed, open finder and search for Google Drive File Stream. It should appear in your Applications folder. Image Added
Opening it will then prompt you to use your account to login. It will redirect you in the window to the uLogin page and you will sign in as normal. Image Added
Another window will open up, giving you a brief explanation of what Drive File Stream is and there will be a button to open up Finder. This will take you straight to the Google Drive device as you can see on the left hand side of the window. Within those folders are your files for both Drives. If the Team Drive is empty, you don't have any access to files in a Team Drive. Image Added
You will notice on your Desktop there will be an icon for Google Drive. Opening this will take you straight to your folders. If you click on the same icon in the top menu bar, it will give you an overview of the last few items that were synced and your synced status. If you click on the folder at the top it will also open up to your Drive folders. Image Added Image Added
Accessing your files this way is just like accessing files on a Network Drive. You will be able to stream the files to your computer and work on them locally without ever needing to store them too. Each item in your Drives has a little cloud in their icon. This indicates that the file is not on your computer. Right clicking on an item will give you the option to Open with Google Drive and under File Stream, the option to have files be available offline or online only. If you select available offline, it will start downloading to your computer. If you select multiple files at once, it download all of them. Image Added
If you need items to be backed up to your Drive that aren't currently within one of these folders, all you have to do is drag and drop a file into them and it will automatically start uploading to Google Drive. If you encounter Mac's Security and Privacy software not allowing system software from Google to install, try the following...1. Open Finder 2. Select the "Go" menu 3. Press the "Option" key 4. Select "Library" 5. Select "Application Support" folder 6. Right-click on "Google" folder 7. Select "Get Info" 8. Click the lock in the bottom right corner and enter the password for an administrator account 9. Under "Sharing & Permissions" ensure your account name is listed with Read & Write Permissions - 9a. If you need to add your user account name, do so here. 9b. Click the Gears icon and choose "Apply to enclosed items". 10. Close the dialogue box 11. Run "Google Drive File Stream" and it should now open. If the above steps do not work for you, follow steps 1 to 4. Then, right-click "Application Support" folder and follow steps 7 to 11 at https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/apps/_qjlMnLThiU. |
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Reviewed June 8, 2023
We suggest that if you use the current Drive application, that you uninstall it and remove the Drive folder that you would use to sync your files. Be careful that you do not place files into this folder after uninstalling the application as they will no longer sync with your Google Drive.
Drive File Stream
Drive File Stream is intended for use by G Suite users. You will be able to access both your files in My Drive and in any Team Drives that you have access to.
This is different from the consumer-oriented Backup and Sync because your files are not kept on your computer by default and allows for greater control of what files are synced.
For more detailed information, click the following link.
Installing and Configuring Drive File Stream on PC/Mac
Backup and Sync
Backup and Sync is intended for use by general consumers, but also can be used by G Suite users. You only have access locally on your PC/Mac to your My Drive – you don't have local access to any Team Drives – and it keeps all of your synced data on your computer.
The biggest difference from Drive File Stream is that you can choose to have folders such as Documents or Desktop synced to your Google Drive.
For more detailed information, click the following link.
Installing and Configuring Backup and Sync on PC/Mac
A brief list of differences between both applications can be seen below.
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