Use Google Drive for desktop

Looking for more advanced controls? Dive into topics like customizing settings, using offline access, and managing photos photos backups in our advanced Drive for desktop guide.

This article guides you to use and set up Google Drive for desktop.

Learn about Google Drive for desktop benefits

You can easily work with your files with Google Drive for desktop. You can also:

Keep local files safe: Your computer files are securely stored in the cloud.
Keep files up-to-date across surfaces: Any edits you make to files sync automatically to your computer and to Google Drive.
Have a familiar desktop experience: Access all your Google Drive files and folders like any other drive on your computer.
Interact with Microsoft Office files: When you use Google Drive for desktop with Microsoft Office, you can:
Use files offline: Work on files and folders even without the internet. This includes files from shared drives.

Install Google Drive for desktop

Install on Windows

Important: Before you start, check that your operating system is compatible with Google Drive for desktop.

Download Google Drive for desktop:
DOWNLOAD FOR WINDOWS
Open "GoogleDriveSetup.exe."
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If you use a work or school account, you might not be able to use Google Drive for desktop or your organization might have to install it for you. If you have questions, ask your administrator.

On Google Drive for desktop, at the bottom right, in the system tray, you can find the Google Drive for desktop menu Drive File Stream.

Tip: To "Show hidden icons," click the arrow.

To make it easier to find Google Drive for desktop when it's closed, you can pin it.

To add Google Drive to the Start menu: In your Start menu, right click Google Drive and then Pin to Start.
To add Google Drive to the taskbar: In your Start menu, right click Google Drive and then Pin to Taskbar.

Install on macOS

Important: Before you start, check that your operating system is compatible with Google Drive for desktop.

Download Google Drive for desktop:
DOWNLOAD FOR MAC
Open "GoogleDrive.dmg."
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If you use a work or school account, you might not be able to use Google Drive for desktop. Your organization must install it for you. If you have questions, ask your administrator.

On Google Drive for desktop, at the top right, in the menu bar, you can find the Google Drive for desktop menu Drive File Stream.

To make it easier to find Google Drive for desktop when it's closed, you can pin it.

To add Google Drive to your Dock: In the "Applications" folder, drag the Google Drive app to the left side of the recently used apps separator line.

Sign in to Google Drive for desktop

Sign in for the first time

Get started with Drive for Desktop

For this same video with audio descriptions, go to Get started with Drive for Desktop.

When you open Google Drive for desktop for the first time, or after your account has been disconnected, to log in:

On your computer, open Google Drive for desktop Drive File Stream.
Click Get started and then Sign in.
Sign in to the Google Account you want to use with Google Drive for desktop.

Tip: You can use up to 4 accounts at one time with Google Drive for desktop. Learn how to use multiple accounts at the same time.

Use multiple accounts at the same time

You can use up to 4 accounts at one time with Google Drive for desktop.

Add an account

On your computer, click the Google Drive for desktop menu Drive File Stream.
In the top right-hand corner, click your profile picture and then + Add account.
Sign in through your browser.
Restart Google Drive for desktop.

Disconnect an account

Important: If a streaming account is disconnected, any offline files are removed.

On your computer, click the Google Drive for desktop menu Drive File Stream.
Click your profile picture and then Disconnect account.
In the pop-up window, click OK.

Navigate key features in Google Drive for desktop

This image displays the homepage of Google Drive with step-by-step navigation.

Check sync status: On your homepage, the new "Sync status" tile displays your recently synced files and current sync activity. It replaces the previous "Activity" view.
Find detailed sync activity: A comprehensive list of all recent sync activity.
Get notifications: Important updates, like time-sensitive sync errors, show in your notifications.
Use enhanced search: Search directly within Google Drive for desktop to find all files from your streamed Google Drive location, unlike Windows Search or macOS Spotlight.
- Tip: For a quick search, use a search hotkey combination. The default values for the search hotkey are:
  - Windows: Ctrl + Alt + g.
  - macOS: [Command icon] + [Accent icon] + g. You can set up your hotkey in advanced settings.
Have simple sync control: You can pause or resume the sync process of Google Drive for desktop at any time.
Add new folders to sync: Sync more folders on your computer with Google Drive.
Access your synced files: Once your files are synced, you can access them from two main places:
- Through the Drive for desktop app: Click the folder icon to browse all your Drive files. You can also use the search bar in the app to find a specific file.
- Directly on your computer: Open File Explorer (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS) and navigate to the Google Drive folder. Here you will find "My Drive," "Shared drives," and other synced folders.

To open a file, double-click it. Files in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides open in your web browser, while other files open in their default desktop applications.

Tip: If your Google Drive and "My Drive" folder are empty, you won’t find the "Shared drives" or "Other computers" views.

Share your feedback

To share your feedback and report any issues:

On your computer, click the Google Drive for desktop menu Drive File Stream.
At the top right, click Settings Settings and then Send feedback.

Looking for more advanced controls? Dive into topics like customizing settings, using offline access, and managing photos backups in our advanced Drive for desktop guide.