How to Sync File on Google Drive with Drive for Desktop

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Syncing your Google Drive files with Drive for Desktop is a great way to access your files across devices. This process is called "syncing" and it allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection.

To sync your Google Drive files with Drive for Desktop, you'll need to download and install the Drive for Desktop app on your computer. According to Google Drive's official documentation, the Drive for Desktop app is available for both Windows and macOS operating systems.

The Drive for Desktop app allows you to sync your Google Drive files to your local computer, so you can access them even when you don't have an internet connection. This is especially useful if you have a large number of files or need to access your files offline.

Part 1: Setup

To set up Google Drive for syncing your files, you'll need to download and install the Google Drive for Desktop app. This app will replace the old Backup and Sync program, so make sure to grab the correct download for your device, whether it's a Mac or PC.

Credit: youtube.com, Sync Folder in Your PC to Google Drive | How to Sync a Folder to Google Drive? | Drive Sync Folders

The download should be quick, taking only a few hundred megabytes of space. Once it's done, you'll see the file name displayed on the screen, and you can click on it to launch the installer.

Google Drive for Desktop will take a minute or so to install, and then you might be prompted to restart your computer, although this isn't necessary.

By default, the app won't download any files from the cloud to your PC, but instead, it will create a virtual drive that you can access through File Explorer. This virtual drive will be the same size as your available cloud storage space.

Syncing Files

You can sync all your Google Drive files to your PC by selecting the "Google Drive" tab and ticking the bubble next to "Mirror Files." This will make all your files available in File Explorer, even if you're offline.

If you're on a metered internet connection or are low on storage space, be careful, as syncing all your files can take up a lot of space.

Credit: youtube.com, Google Drive - Tutorial 6 - Understanding Backup and Sync Folder Syncing Process

To sync specific files or folders to your PC, navigate to the virtual drive or folder that Drive for Google created when it installed, and browse through your files and folders until you find one that you want to synchronize.

Right-click the file or folder, go down to "Offline Access", and make sure "Available Offline" is selected. If you do this with a folder, every file and subfolder will take that setting as well.

To ensure that files and folders shared with you are automatically synced to your device, you can use one of the following methods:

  1. Method 1: Syncing Files and Folders Shared with You (Example 3)
  2. Method 2: Using File Stream (Example 4)

Note that using File Stream requires you to have access to Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and Google Drive File Stream installed on your computer.

If you're using Google Workspace and have access to Google Drive File Stream, you can use it to sync shared files and folders without taking up local storage space.

Troubleshooting Issues

Credit: youtube.com, Google Drive Sync Issue - Easy Fix

If Google Drive won’t sync in your Android device, you need to check your sync folder settings. This is often the culprit behind Google Drive folder not syncing.

To fix this issue, you can check if the folder you want to sync is selected in the Backup and Sync app. Click the icon of this app in the system tray and choose Preferences from the three-dot menu.

Make sure to select the "Sync everything in My Drive" option under the Google Drive tab. This will ensure that all your files are synced to your PC.

Fix Windows 10 Issue

If you're experiencing issues with Google Drive not syncing on your Windows 10 PC, check your sync folder settings first.

To do this, click the Google Drive icon in the system tray and choose Preferences from the three-dot menu. Under the Google Drive tab, select Sync everything in My Drive. This will ensure all your files and folders are synced.

It's also a good idea to check the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option, which can be found under the Google Drive tab.

If reinstalling the Google Drive Backup and Sync app doesn't resolve the issue, it may be worth trying to reinstall it.

Fix Android Issue

Credit: youtube.com, CNET How To - Fix common Android problems

Fixing issues on your Android device can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to resolve common problems.

If Google Drive won't sync on your Android device, try checking your internet connection to ensure it's stable and working properly.

Google Drive won't sync in your Android device if your internet connection is unstable or weak, so make sure to check your Wi-Fi or data connection.

To fix Google Drive not syncing on your Android device, you can also try restarting your device or closing and reopening the Google Drive app.

Restoring backups from your Google account on your Android phone can be done effectively by following a few simple steps.

Check Internet Connection

So, you're having trouble with Google Drive not syncing? Let's start by checking your internet connection.

First, ensure the connection is stable. If it's not, you won't be able to sync your files.

Using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data can also help. If you're using mobile data, go to Drive > 3-line menu > Settings and make sure Transfer Files only over Wi-Fi is disabled.

Credit: youtube.com, 12 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

Also, ensure you have enabled sync. Just go to Settings > Backup & reset and enable Back up my data.

Here are the steps to check your internet connection in a concise format:

  1. Ensure the connection is stable.
  2. Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data to sync files. When using the mobile data, go to Drive > 3-line menu > Settings and make sure Transfer Files only over Wi-Fi is disabled.
  3. Ensure you have enabled sync. Just go to Settings > Backup & reset and enable Back up my data.

Troubleshooting Issues

If Google Drive Backup and Sync isn't working, try pausing and restarting it. This is a common fix that many users recommend.

To pause the app, click its icon in the system tray, click the three-dot menu, and choose Pause. Then, click Resume to see if your files are syncing as expected.

Sometimes quitting and restarting the app can also resolve the issue. Click the icon of the program in the system tray, expand the menu by clicking three dots, and then choose Quit Backup and Sync.

Using the Desktop App

To sync files on Google Drive using the desktop app, you'll need to install the app on your computer. This will give you access to the sync features.

Credit: youtube.com, Google Drive For Desktop Tutorial 2024 (Auto Sync Files)

To start syncing, sign in to your Google account through the app. Once you're signed in, you can open the Google Drive app and navigate to the "Preferences" or "Settings" section. This is where you'll find the sync options.

To enable syncing, select the "Sync" tab and check the option to sync files and folders shared with you. Click "Apply" or "OK" to save the changes, and your shared files and folders will begin syncing to your local device.

Using the Desktop App

To sync your desktop PC with Google Drive, you'll want to use the Google Drive desktop app. This app allows you to sync your files and folders across devices.

First, install the Google Drive desktop app on your computer. You can do this by downloading it from the Google Drive website. Once installed, sign in to your Google account.

To start syncing, open the Google Drive app and go to "Preferences" or "Settings." From there, select the "Sync" tab and enable the option to sync files and folders shared with you.

A Person Holding a Folder of a Top Secret Files Label
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding a Folder of a Top Secret Files Label

You can also choose which folders will get synced from Google Drive and which other folders on your PC to sync to Google Drive. This is done by selecting the folders you want to sync in the app.

If you need to stop syncing a folder with Google Drive, you can do so by following the steps outlined in the Google Drive help section.

Run as Administrator

Running the Desktop App as Administrator can be a game-changer for resolving syncing issues.

You can run the Backup and Sync app with admin privilege to troubleshoot syncing problems.

If you don't have admin rights, Sync might fail to work, so running it as admin can help resolve the issue.

To do this, simply type "Backup and Sync from Google" in the Windows 10 search box and right-click on the app to choose "Run as administrator".

After launching it, you can check if it helps you successfully sync folders to your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my Google Drive syncing with my computer?

Google Drive syncing issues may be caused by large file sizes, unsupported file types, or conflicts with other software on your device. Check our troubleshooting guide for solutions to resolve the sync problem and get back to syncing your files

Does Google Drive for desktop sync to shared drives?

Yes, Google Drive for desktop can sync to shared drives, but you need to set it up by adding a Google Workspace account and choosing a syncing option. To get started, download and install the Google Drive for desktop application.

What is the best way to synchronize files between computers?

For seamless file synchronization, consider using Google Drive for simplicity, Microsoft OneDrive for Office users, or Sync.com for a comprehensive solution. Choose the best fit based on your specific needs and preferences.

How do I sync a folder to another folder in Google Drive?

To sync a folder to another folder in Google Drive, right-click on the folder and select "Send shortcut to Drive" to create a shortcut. This will allow you to sync the folder with Drive for Desktop.

How do I sync files and folders shared with me in Google Drive?

To sync files and folders shared with you in Google Drive, click on the "Google Drive" icon and drag them into your "My Drive" folder. This will sync the shared content with your PC.

Margarita Champlin

Writer

Margarita Champlin is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, she has established herself as a go-to expert in the field of technology. Her writing has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics, including Azure Monitoring.

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