How to Add Google Drive in File Explorer

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store and access their files from anywhere. While Google Drive has its own web interface and mobile apps, many users prefer to access their files directly from their computer’s file explorer. In this article, we will explore the steps to add Google Drive in File Explorer on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Adding Google Drive in File Explorer on Windows

Windows users can easily integrate Google Drive into their file explorer by following these simple steps:

1. Download and Install Google Drive Sync

The first step is to download and install the Google Drive Sync application on your Windows computer. This application allows you to sync your Google Drive files with your local computer.

2. Sign in to Google Drive Sync

Once the installation is complete, open the Google Drive Sync application and sign in with your Google account credentials. This will link your Google Drive to the application.

3. Choose Folders to Sync

After signing in, you will be prompted to choose which folders from your Google Drive you want to sync with your computer. Select the folders you want to access from File Explorer and click “Start”.

4. Access Google Drive in File Explorer

Once the sync process is complete, you can access your Google Drive files directly from File Explorer. Simply open File Explorer and navigate to the “Google Drive” folder, which will appear in the left-hand sidebar under “Quick Access”.

Adding Google Drive in File Explorer on Mac

Mac users can also integrate Google Drive into their file explorer by following these steps:

1. Download and Install Google Drive File Stream

Start by downloading and installing the Google Drive File Stream application on your Mac. This application allows you to stream your Google Drive files directly to your computer without taking up local storage.

2. Sign in to Google Drive File Stream

Once the installation is complete, open the Google Drive File Stream application and sign in with your Google account credentials. This will link your Google Drive to the application.

3. Choose Folders to Stream

After signing in, you will be prompted to choose which folders from your Google Drive you want to stream to your computer. Select the folders you want to access from File Explorer and click “Start”.

4. Access Google Drive in Finder

Once the streaming process is complete, you can access your Google Drive files directly from Finder. Simply open Finder and navigate to the “Google Drive” folder, which will appear in the sidebar under “Favorites”.

Benefits of Adding Google Drive in File Explorer

Integrating Google Drive into your file explorer offers several benefits:

• Easy Access: By adding Google Drive in File Explorer, you can access your files directly from your computer’s native file management system, making it convenient and familiar.
• Offline Access: Syncing or streaming your Google Drive files to your computer allows you to access them even when you are offline, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
• File Organization: By integrating Google Drive into your file explorer, you can easily organize and manage your files using the familiar file management features of your operating system.
• Collaboration: Adding Google Drive in File Explorer enables seamless collaboration with others. You can easily share files and folders with colleagues, and any changes made by collaborators will be reflected in real-time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding Google Drive in File Explorer:

1. Can I add multiple Google Drive accounts to File Explorer?

Yes, you can add multiple Google Drive accounts to File Explorer by signing in with different Google accounts in the respective applications (Google Drive Sync for Windows and Google Drive File Stream for Mac).

2. Can I choose specific folders to sync or stream?

Yes, both Google Drive Sync and Google Drive File Stream allow you to choose specific folders from your Google Drive to sync or stream to your computer.

3. Will adding Google Drive in File Explorer use up my computer’s storage?

Google Drive Sync for Windows syncs your Google Drive files to your computer’s local storage, while Google Drive File Stream for Mac streams the files without taking up local storage. Therefore, the storage usage depends on the application you choose.

4. Can I access Google Drive files from File Explorer on mobile devices?

No, adding Google Drive in File Explorer is only applicable to desktop and laptop computers running Windows or Mac operating systems. However, you can access your Google Drive files using the Google Drive mobile app on your mobile devices.

Conclusion

Integrating Google Drive into your file explorer provides a seamless and efficient way to access and manage your files. Whether you are using Windows or Mac, the steps to add Google Drive in File Explorer are straightforward. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you can easily sync or stream your Google Drive files to your computer and access them directly from your operating system’s file explorer. This integration offers numerous benefits, including easy access, offline availability, file organization, and collaboration. So, why wait? Start integrating Google Drive into your file explorer today and enjoy the convenience and productivity it brings.