Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows you to store and access your files from anywhere. However, many users have experienced slow upload speeds, which can be frustrating.
Slow upload speeds can be caused by a weak internet connection, which is essential for uploading files to Google Drive. A weak internet connection can lead to slow upload speeds, making it difficult to upload large files.
To fix slow upload speeds on Google Drive, you can try restarting your router, which can help resolve connectivity issues. This simple step can often resolve the issue and improve upload speeds.
If restarting your router doesn't work, you can try checking your internet speed, which is a crucial factor in determining upload speeds.
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Why Google Drive Upload is Slow
Google Drive is a fantastic tool for storing and sharing files, but its upload speed can be a real headache. The upload speed of Google Drive is affected by the file size, with large files taking a long time to upload.
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A file size of 5 TB is the maximum allowed by Google Drive, but even smaller files can slow down the upload process if your internet connection is unstable. This means that if you're trying to upload a large file over a poor Wi-Fi connection, it's going to take a while.
Google Drive may not recognize file names with special symbols, such as "#", "%", and "&", leading to upload issues. This is because these symbols can be interpreted as special characters, causing the upload to stall or slow down.
If you're running low on storage space, Google Drive will stop uploading files, giving you the illusion that it's still uploading. This can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to upload a large file.
The daily upload limit on Google Drive is 750 GB, and you can only upload three files per second. This is to prevent server overload and ensure smooth operations.
Here are the main reasons why Google Drive upload is slow:
- Large file sizes
- Unstable internet connection
- File name incompatibility
- Insufficient storage space
- Network congestion
These are the main culprits behind slow Google Drive upload speeds. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to optimize your upload process and get your files uploaded faster.
13 Solutions
If you're experiencing slow uploads on Google Drive, don't panic, there's a solution. Here are 13 ways to fix the issue.
First, check your Google Drive upload speed by comparing it to your previous upload speed. If it's lower, there's a problem that needs fixing.
Using a dedicated Chrome extension like Speed Uploader can significantly speed up your Google Drive uploads. This tool leverages advanced upload techniques to accelerate your uploads.
To use Speed Uploader, visit the Chrome Web Store, search for "Speed Uploader for Google Drive", and install the extension. Once installed, launch the extension and grant it access to your Google Drive account.
Speed Uploader allows you to create new folders or add existing Google Drive folders to its interface. To upload files, simply click on the "Upload files to this folder" button corresponding to the desired folder.
The upload process involves dragging and dropping files or selecting them from your device. Once you've added the files, click the "Upload" button to initiate the high-speed upload process.
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Here are the 13 solutions to fix the Google Drive upload slow issue:
- Check Google Drive upload speed
- Use a dedicated Chrome extension like Speed Uploader
- Check for issues with your internet connection
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- Disable any antivirus software
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Update your Google Drive app
- Check for conflicts with other browser extensions
- Use a different browser
- Check for issues with your computer's hardware
- Restart your computer
- Check for issues with your Google Drive account
Optimizing Upload Speed
Check your Google Drive upload speed to see if it's slower than usual. If it is, compare it to your previous upload speed to determine if there's a problem.
You can use Speed Uploader, a dedicated Chrome extension, to significantly speed up your Google Drive uploads. This tool is designed for frequent large file transfers.
To use Speed Uploader, visit the Chrome Web Store and install the extension by searching for "Speed Uploader for Google Drive". Then, launch the extension and grant it access to your Google Drive account.
Speed Uploader uses advanced upload techniques to accelerate your Google Drive uploads. You can upload files by dragging and dropping them or selecting them from your device.
Enabling hardware acceleration on Chrome can also help speed up Google Drive uploads. To do this, open Chrome, click the three vertical dots, and select Settings.
To enable hardware acceleration, head to the Advanced settings, select System, and turn on the feature of "Use hardware acceleration when available". This can help you enjoy a smoother experience with Google Drive.
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Hardware and Software Settings
To speed up your Google Drive upload, you can tweak your hardware and software settings. Enabling hardware acceleration on Chrome can help, so click the 3 vertical dots on the right upper corner and select Settings.
You can also try changing Google Drive settings to resolve the issue. To do this, head to Drive for desktop, choose Preferences, and click the gear icon again in the pop-up window. Then, scroll down to locate Bandwidth settings and uncheck the options of Download rate and Upload rate.
Running Google Drive as administrator may also solve the problem. Search for Google Drive on your computer, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. This can help you upload files to Google Drive again by dragging and dropping files to the Google Drive folder.
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Enable Hardware Acceleration
Enabling hardware acceleration can significantly improve your experience with Google Drive, making uploads smoother and faster.
You can turn on hardware acceleration in Google Drive by following these steps: Enable the feature of Use hardware acceleration when available.
This feature can be found in the settings of Google Drive, but it's also available in Chrome for users who log in to Google Drive from there.
To enable hardware acceleration in Chrome, open Chrome and click the 3 vertical dots on the right upper corner, then click Settings on the dropdown menu.
Next, head to Advanced on the left taskbar and select System to access the hardware acceleration settings.
Enabling hardware acceleration when available on the main page can help resolve the "Google Drive upload slow" issue.
Running Google Drive as an administrator can also be a solution to this problem, and it's a good idea to try both methods to see what works best for you.
By enabling hardware acceleration, you can enjoy a smoother experience with Google Drive and upload files more efficiently.
Change Settings
Changing your settings can make a big difference in how smoothly Google Drive uploads.
Locate the Google Drive icon on your desktop and click on the gear icon to access the Preferences menu.
You can also enable hardware acceleration to speed up the upload process. Enable the feature of Use hardware acceleration when available.
To check if you've set a limit on your upload speed, tap the Google Drive icon from the desktop and choose Settings.
Uncheck the boxes next to Download rate and Upload rate separately in the Preferences menu.
You can also configure Bandwidth settings in Drive for desktop by choosing Preferences from the drop-down menu and unclicking the options of Download rate and Upload rate.
Related reading: How to Disconnect and Reconnect Google Drive for Desktop
File and Storage Optimization
If you're experiencing slow upload speeds on Google Drive, it's likely due to large file sizes. Compressing files can significantly improve upload speed and help manage Google Drive storage well.
You can compress files using professional apps like HitPaw Video Converter, which can reduce video file sizes by up to 80% without compromising quality.
Make sure you have enough Google Drive storage for the upload, as full storage can affect file uploading. Check your storage space on the storage page to ensure you have sufficient room.
Intriguing read: How to Upload Zip File in Google Drive
Change File Size and Name
If the file size or name is causing the "Google Drive upload speed limit" issue, you can check the restrictions. Users who upload a file larger than 750 GB cannot upload additional files that day, but uploads in progress will be completed.
To bypass the issue, you can assign a new name to the file. File names should be under 31 characters and should not include special characters like "#".
If you're unsure about the file size or name, you can check the Google Drive restrictions. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- File size: 750 GB is the maximum file size allowed on Google Drive.
- File name: Keep your filenames under 31 characters and avoid special characters like "#".
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your file is uploaded successfully and efficiently.
Remove Storage
If you're running low on storage space, it's time to remove some files to free up room.
You can check your storage space on the storage page, just like you would check your Google Drive storage.
Having full storage will affect some functions on Google Drive, like uploading files.
To get back on track, make sure you have enough storage space to support your file uploading needs.
You can always refer to the article "How To View And Sort Google Drive Files By Size Easily" for more information on managing your storage.
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Network and Internet Settings
Having a good network connection is crucial for a smooth Google Drive upload experience. A slow network can make uploads take forever.
The first thing to check is your internet connection. You can quickly check the Google Drive server to see if it's down, which can cause all operations on the platform to fail.
A good network is an important factor in ensuring a quick upload speed. If your network connection is not working well, it will be hard to upload files to Google Drive quickly.
You can try checking your network issues to see if that's the cause of the slow upload.
Intriguing read: Google Drive Is Slow
Troubleshooting and Resolution
To troubleshoot and resolve the Google Drive slow upload issue, start by reconnecting your Google account. This simple step can often resolve the problem.
If reconnecting your account doesn't work, try renaming the file you want to upload. Sometimes, a simple name change can help the upload process.
Additional reading: Google Drive Can't Load Account
Another potential solution is to check if the file size and file type are correct. If the file is too large or in an unsupported format, it may cause upload issues.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, check the Google Drive status dashboard to see if Google Drive is working well. If the light next to Google Drive is red, click on the link next to it to find out the solutions offered by Google.
If you're still experiencing slow upload speeds, try restarting your Google Drive app. This can often refresh the connection and improve upload speeds.
Here are the steps to follow for Drive for Desktop:
- Close your Google Drive app.
- Restart your Google Drive app.
Way 6: Status Check
If the issue persists, you can check the Google Drive status by visiting the Google status dashboard. This will give you a clear picture of whether Google Drive is working well or not.
If you find that the light next to Google Drive is red, you can click on the link next to it to find out the solutions offered by Google.
Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer can be a surprisingly effective solution to many issues, including frozen screens and slow performance.
This is because a restart can clear out temporary files and close unnecessary programs that may be hogging system resources.
If your computer has been running for an extended period, it's likely accumulated a lot of clutter, which can slow it down.
Try restarting your computer and see if it resolves the issue before moving on to more complex troubleshooting steps.
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How to Resolve the Issue?
To resolve the issue of slow Google Drive upload speeds, let's start with the basics. Reconnect your Google account, as this simple step can often resolve connectivity issues.
Renaming the file you want to upload can also make a difference. This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes renaming a file can help Google Drive recognize it correctly and upload it more efficiently.
Checking the file size and type is also crucial. Make sure the file is not too large for your available storage space, and that it's a compatible file type for Google Drive.
Broaden your view: Google Drive Unsupported File Type
If none of these steps work, you can try running Google Drive as an administrator. This can help resolve any permission issues that might be causing the slow upload speed.
Another option is to check if you have enough available storage space. If your storage is full, Google Drive will slow down significantly.
If you're still experiencing issues, try closing the Google Drive app and restarting it. This can often resolve the problem.
Here are some additional steps you can try to resolve the issue:
- Change a browser to see if the issue persists.
- Compress or split the upload file to reduce its size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Drive throttle upload speed?
Google Drive does not throttle upload speed, but it does have a maximum upload speed of around 45 MB per second.
How long does it take for a 20 minute video to upload to Google Drive?
Uploading a 20-minute video to Google Drive can take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the file size and format. The actual upload time may vary, so check the file size and format for a more accurate estimate
Sources
- https://www.multcloud.com/tutorials/google-drive-upload-slow-tjjbj.html
- https://www.cbackup.com/articles/google-drive-upload-slow-5026-rc.html
- https://systembooster.minitool.com/boost-pc/google-drive-upload-slow.html
- https://www.hitpaw.com/video-compression-tips/google-drive-upload-slow.html
- https://www.minitool.com/news/google-drive-upload-slow.html
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