How to Get Google Drive Folder on Desktop
Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store and access their files from anywhere. While accessing Google Drive through a web browser is convenient, many users prefer to have a dedicated folder on their desktop for easy access. In this article, we will explore different methods to get the Google Drive folder on your desktop, whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac.
Method 1: Using the Google Drive Desktop App
The easiest way to get the Google Drive folder on your desktop is by using the Google Drive desktop app. This app allows you to sync your Google Drive files and folders with your computer, making them accessible directly from your desktop.
Step 1: Download and Install the Google Drive Desktop App
To get started, you need to download and install the Google Drive desktop app on your computer. Visit the Google Drive website and click on the “Download” button to download the app. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Step 2: Sign in to Your Google Account
After installing the app, launch it and sign in to your Google account. Make sure to use the same account that you use for Google Drive.
Step 3: Choose Which Folders to Sync
Once you are signed in, you will be prompted to choose which folders you want to sync with your computer. By default, the app will sync your entire Google Drive, but you can choose specific folders if you prefer. Select the folders you want to sync and click on the “Start” button.
Step 4: Access Your Google Drive Folder on Desktop
After the initial sync is complete, you will find a new folder named “Google Drive” on your desktop. This folder contains all the files and folders from your Google Drive. Any changes you make to the files in this folder will be synced with your Google Drive account.
Method 2: Using Google Drive File Stream
If you are a G Suite user, you can use Google Drive File Stream to get the Google Drive folder on your desktop. Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that allows you to stream your Google Drive files and folders directly to your computer, without taking up disk space.
Step 1: Download and Install Google Drive File Stream
To get started, you need to download and install Google Drive File Stream on your computer. Visit the Google Drive File Stream website and click on the “Download” button to download the app. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Step 2: Sign in to Your G Suite Account
After installing the app, launch it and sign in to your G Suite account. Make sure to use the same account that you use for Google Drive.
Step 3: Choose Which Folders to Stream
Once you are signed in, you will be prompted to choose which folders you want to stream to your computer. By default, the app will stream your entire Google Drive, but you can choose specific folders if you prefer. Select the folders you want to stream and click on the “Start” button.
Step 4: Access Your Google Drive Folder on Desktop
After the initial setup is complete, you will find a new drive named “Google Drive” in your file explorer. This drive contains all the files and folders from your Google Drive. You can access and open files directly from this drive, and any changes you make will be synced with your Google Drive account.
Method 3: Using Google Backup and Sync
If you are not a G Suite user and want to sync your Google Drive files and folders with your computer, you can use Google Backup and Sync. Google Backup and Sync is a desktop application that allows you to back up and sync files between your computer and Google Drive.
Step 1: Download and Install Google Backup and Sync
To get started, you need to download and install Google Backup and Sync on your computer. Visit the Google Backup and Sync website and click on the “Download” button to download the app. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Step 2: Sign in to Your Google Account
After installing the app, launch it and sign in to your Google account. Make sure to use the same account that you use for Google Drive.
Step 3: Choose Which Folders to Sync
Once you are signed in, you will be prompted to choose which folders you want to sync with your computer. By default, the app will sync your entire Google Drive, but you can choose specific folders if you prefer. Select the folders you want to sync and click on the “Next” button.
Step 4: Access Your Google Drive Folder on Desktop
After the initial sync is complete, you will find a new folder named “Google Drive” on your desktop. This folder contains all the files and folders from your Google Drive. Any changes you make to the files in this folder will be synced with your Google Drive account.
FAQ
Q1: Can I access my Google Drive files offline?
A1: Yes, you can access your Google Drive files offline if you have enabled offline access. To enable offline access, go to the Google Drive website, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner, select “Settings,” and check the box next to “Offline.” This will allow you to access your files even when you don’t have an internet connection.
Q2: How much storage space do I get with Google Drive?
A2: Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage space for each user. If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a paid plan starting at $1.99 per month for 100 GB of storage.
Q3: Can I share my Google Drive folder with others?
A3: Yes, you can easily share your Google Drive folder with others. Right-click on the folder you want to share, select “Share,” and enter the email addresses of the people you want to share the folder with. You can choose whether they can view, comment, or edit the files in the folder.
Q4: Can I access my Google Drive files on my mobile device?
A4: Yes, you can access your Google Drive files on your mobile device by downloading the Google Drive app from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app allows you to view, edit, and upload files directly from your mobile device.
Summary
Getting the Google Drive folder on your desktop is a convenient way to access your files and folders without having to open a web browser. In this article, we explored three different methods to achieve this: using the Google Drive desktop app, Google Drive File Stream (for G Suite users), and Google Backup and Sync. Each method has its own advantages and is suitable for different types of users. Whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac, you can easily set up the Google Drive folder on your desktop and enjoy seamless access to your files.
