I use the service daily for the majority of my writing needs. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. Youre now able to back up your data from Google Photos as well through USB which is something you havent been able to do with Google File Stream previously.

Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. But desktop software is available as well, allowing you to seamlessly sync files stored in your Google Drive with the file system on your Windows or macOS computer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". You should see an icon in your top bar (Figure 1). This also encourages better performance for end-users. This will affect how users and end-users sync their documents to their desktops using Google Drive. ZDNet's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Since then, I've been diligent about backing up Google Drive. Once those added folders have synced with Google Drive, you might be surprised that they won't be found in the root directory of Drive. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. For that, I depend on rclone to backup specific directories in Google Drive to an external drive attached to my System76 Thelio, running Pop!_OS. Its unclear yet whether Backup and Sync users will have to do a full reinstall or not to be able to use the software. The same right-click (or Cmd+click) menu offers plenty of other options as well: You can revert back to a previous version of a file for example, or get a link to share it with someone else. As a longstanding member of the Google Cloud Partner Program, Damson Cloud specialises in bringing people and ideas together through new ways of working. Depending on how many files (and the size of those files), the initial sync could take some time. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Once added, the client will automatically upload the files and sub-directories within the newly-added folder. Google Drive for Desktop was announced by Google to create a more user-friendly experience. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Locate and select the new folder you want to sync with Drive and click Open. In the new window (Figure 4), click Add folder. Jack Wallen shows you how to add folders to the Google Drive desktop app for remote syncing to your Google Drive account. Click that icon and then click the gear icon in the popup window (Figure 2). Also: Why is Google Photos stealing all my online storage? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On top of this, I prefer to access those files from the web browser when working on my laptop. You can use these symbols as a bookmark to know whats stored on your system and what lives in the cloud, [Related: The 7 best Google Docs anonymous animals, ranked]. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This will make it much easier to transition over to the new drive stream tool. The screen that appears enables you to have the program start up at the same time as the operating system, and you can choose to move the location of the Google Drive folder on the local hard drive if you want to. That way you can work on them more easily, and any edits you make to them will also be synced back to the cloud once youre back online again. To register your interest, you can go onto Googles site and apply. Useful for housing large amounts of data, the Data and Sync tool can be used to ensure you always have a backup of data in your cloud that you dont need on your desktop. Google has decided to simplify its sync tools by creating Google Drive for Desktop. During my decade with Drive, I have had one instance where I lost nearly all of my work (thanks to a third-party sync tool that went awry). You can sign up for the Beta if you want to trial this syncing software. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Realising that users were having issues running the separate tools, they have managed to essentially combine these into one to ensure simplicity. This is great news for users as it means Google is offering additional support to the limited software available for M1 chip users. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Support for users with Macs housing M1 chips will be coming for Google Drive for Desktop in April 2021. Expand that entry and you should see the computers you've configured to sync folders to Drive (Figure 6). You can carry on accessing Google Drive in your web browser and mobile apps as alwayscreating Docs, Sheets, and Slides just the same as before. Why? The biggest caveat is that larger files may take a while to properly load as Drive for Desktop will have to download them each time you access them. Anything you add to this Google Drive folder will automatically be uploaded to the cloud. It does not store any personal data. | This can include your Shared Drive and My Drive. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services were assessing. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The gear icon popup menu in the Google Drive Desktop Client. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What I do not do is sync the entire contents of Google Drive to my desktop. Click the Drive icon in the notification area (Windows) or on the menu bar (macOS), then click the cog icon and pick Preferences. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Congratulations, you've configured the Google Drive Desktop Client to sync added folders from your desktop or laptop machine to your Drive account. You might be familiar with Google Drive from its web interface or its mobile apps. These same options are accessible through the Google Drive web interface as well, as theyve always been, but you might find it easier to get at them from your Windows or macOS computer. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Rather, it will be an update which comes later in the year with an addition of Backup and Sync and a name change. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Google has assured users that it wont directly impact your stored files. Google has specifically said that simplifying this process will aid IT teams and administrators, to manage deployments while reducing user confusion around which app to use. First off, there is no Google Drive Desktop Client for Linux. Drive for Desktop turns Google Drive into a fully-fledged file syncing service rather than just a cloud storage lockerthink Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Pop!_OS might have a complicated name but it makes using Linux so easy, Linux 101: How to create a zip file in Linux, How to create a custom Focus in macOS Monterey to avoid unnecessary distractions. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Locating the folder to be added to the sync.

Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. [Related: Become a Google Drive power user with these 20 tips and tricks]. Second, my MacBook Pro M1 is limited in storage space, so syncing the entire contents of my Google Drive account wouldn't exactly be prudent. He doesn't get much spare time, but when he does he spends it watching obscure movies and taking long walks in the countryside. This makes their products more user friendly and heightens productivity. Tech Tip Thursday: Emailing A Daily Agenda From Google Calendar, Tech Tip Thursday: Coordinating Google Calendar Meetings With UTC, Tech Tip Thursday: How To Auto-Forward An Email In Gmail, Tech Tip Thursday: New Shortcuts On Google Workspace. You can find a few more options on the Settings pane. You should then see another popup menu (Figure 3). This will open the Finder picker (Figure 5). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The Google Drive Desktop Client popup window gives you access to the Settings window. To find out more about our services, check out our library of tutorial videos or our blog. Become a Google Drive power user with these 20 tips and tricks, The 7 best Google Docs anonymous animals, ranked. Over the next few weeks, Google will start sending prompts in the Backup and Sync and Drive File Stream tools to encourage users to start switching over. While the prospect of simplifying the syncing process is exciting, it isnt available to the general public as of yet. That primary backup also picks up specific folders from other machines I have synced to Drive, which is taken care of via the Google Drive Desktop app. If you open files with the cloud symbol, they will be temporarily streamed to your computer (just like a movie or music track) so you can view and edit it. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Updated Jul 15, 2021 10:06 AM. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By default, everything is kept in the cloud and only in the cloudthe blue cloud symbol on each file icon shows that theyre not locally stored. First, it means that if your computer is offline or has a slow internet connection, you can still watch those HD videos youve got stored in your Google Drive folder. The Google Drive Desktop Client icon as seen on macOS Monterey. It appears that it is going to be the major tool which has Backup and Sync integrated into it.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For Google File Stream users, there are a few key differences in terms of features through this update. If you leave Google Drive working like this, youll minimize the amount of local hard drive space your files take up. Adding a new folder for the Google Drive Desktop Client to sync to Drive. After four years since its last update, that desktop software setup is changing again, and the current tools (Backup & Sync for free account holders, and Drive File Stream for enterprise customers), will be replaced by a new, single platform called Drive for Desktop. There are a few reasons to sync files locally rather than just accessing Google Drive through your web browser every time.

At the time of writing, Google hasnt put up a proper landing page for the new Drive for Desktop software, but you can download both Windows and macOS versions from the Google blog. With version 47.0, Mac users with Apple M1 will find support through additional bug fixes and performance improvements. David Nield Most Google users are familiar with the Google Drive File Stream tool. The Google Drive Desktop Client should already be running on your system. 'ZDNet Recommends': What exactly does it mean? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".

If you have a second computer, then you have double the efficiencyGoogle Drive will keep all or some of your files and folders synced between your devices, and once youve installed and set up the software, everything just works. When using the software, your documents will be simultaneously on your hard drive and available on the web, though you can choose which files and folders are stored locally and which arent. David Nield is a freelance contributor at Popular Science, producing how to guides and explainers for the DIY section on everything from improving your smartphone photos to boosting the security of your laptop. ZDNet independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. How to use the Google Docs versioning system to save you from when disaster strikes, Google Docs now allows for custom text watermarks, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top 5 wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, Our favorite Netflix alternatives: Binge-watch elsewhere, The 6 best buy now, pay later apps: Pay off that big purchase over time, Must-have lawn mowers: Top gas and electric-powered mowers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Youll first need to sign in to your Google account. A new update to how Google Drive functions are coming to Beta soon. 2022 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. By They will simply have to plug their USB into an external drive and backup the data. Using the desktop software also makes the uploading process much easier, as its a more automated process. However, there are certain folders on my MacBook Pro (such as Documents) that I do want to keep in sync with Google Drive. Damson Clouds Fintan Murphy discusses the upcoming Google Drive solution that is going to change how sync tools are used.

As soon as something new moves into the local folders Google Drive is keeping an eye on, the files will be uploaded to the cloud in the background. On macOS, drag the app icon down to the Trash icon on the dock or from Applications in Finder. There's new Google software you can download for Windows and macOS. We champion change management and digital transformation using some of the internets most trusted solutions, including Google Workspace, Happeo and Jamboard. To finesse the user experience, Google is unifying these tools into the Google Drive for Desktop Sync tool great news for anyone who regularly uses both. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. You too can configure the Google Drive Desktop app to sync specific folders to Drive and I'm going to show you how. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. But if you want to keep data from Google Drive on your computer and sync it to the cloud, or if youve got large batches of files you need to upload to your Drive, then youll want to download the desktop application. If youre running Backup and Sync or Drive File Stream, get rid of these programs first. Users may be familiar with the backup and sync tool or might use the Google Drive File Stream tool if they are business customers. Instead, you'll find a listing in the left sidebar called Computers. I'm a Google Drive power user. The only things you'll need are a Google Drive account and the Google Drive Desktop app installed on your machine (which can be either Windows or macOS -- I'll be demonstrating with macOS). In that case, its better to save large files you edit a lot both on your computer and in the cloud. Previously, you were only able to have one on each Google Account, now you sync data from multiple accounts which allows you to have data from every account you need, be that personal or business. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ZDNet's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. If you are a Drive File Stream user, this update wont affect you particularly. Youll go through a series of introduction slides, and after that, the wizard will guide you to the Google Drive folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS), and youll be able to browse your files straight away. Neither ZDNet nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. You can keep using the old platforms, but that wont last longat the start of October 2021, youll need to update to the newer application to access your files. The new Drive for Desktop software can upload files from external drives as well, and its smart enough to manage multiple Google accounts at once. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You can now have multiple accounts which is incredibly useful. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. To permanently save a folder or file to your disk, so you can access it even while offline, right-click (or Cmd+click on a Mac) on it and choose Offline access and Available offline. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You'll be taken back to the Google Drive Desktop Client Preferences window, where you'll see the new folder listed. On Windows, open the main Settings pane and choose Apps, Apps & features, the program to remove, and Uninstall. This will be incredibly beneficial for IT teams which may need to get a lot of data onto Google Drive. The only difference for the Drive File Stream tool users will be a change in name from its most recent update in January to Google Drive for Desktop. Google Drive File Stream syncs files to your computer, mounting them as a copy of your drive onto your computer. From there, you will receive a notification if you have received access to trial it out.