Uploading large files to Google Drive can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
To start, ensure you have enough storage space on your Google Drive account, as Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage, which can be expanded by purchasing additional storage or using a Google One membership.
Before uploading, it's essential to compress your files to reduce their size and make the upload process faster. You can use tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR to compress your files.
Google Drive has a file size limit of 750GB, but it's recommended to upload files in chunks of 5GB or less to avoid any issues.
Uploading Large Files to Google Drive
Uploading large files to Google Drive can be a breeze if you know the right method. Open your Google Drive account and navigate to the desired folder to get started.
To begin the upload process, find the required file on your PC. The file can be located on your desktop or in a folder on your computer.
Drag and drop is a convenient method for uploading files to Google Drive. Simply drag the file or files from the folder or desktop to your Google Drive, and the upload process will begin.
File Size and Type Restrictions
Google Drive has a daily upload limit of 750 GB worth of data across all drives, but you can upload individual files up to 5 TB.
The file size limit for scanning files for viruses and malware is 100 MB, so any file larger than that won't get scanned.
Here's a table breaking down Google's storage limits by account type:
These storage limits can vary greatly depending on your account type, so it's essential to check your specific limits before uploading large files to Google Drive.
Drag-and-Drop Method
To use this method, you'll need to open the folder that contains the document you want to upload. For Mac users, this means using the Finder app, while Windows users can use Explorer.
Once you've found the document, click and hold on it, then slowly drag it to Google Drive. Release the file, and the upload process will begin.
You'll see a window in the bottom right corner of your Google Drive page indicating the upload status of the file. The whole upload process might take a few seconds.
Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Open your Google Drive account and navigate to the desired folder.
- Find the required file on your PC.
- Drag and drop the file or files from the folder or desktop to your Google Drive.
Compressing Folders
Compressing folders is a simple yet effective way to reduce the size of your files before uploading them to Google Drive. This trick can help you transfer large batches of files while minimizing the used storage quota.
To compress a folder on Windows, right-click on the folder and select "Send to" then "Compressed (zipped) folder". On Mac, right-click the folder and choose "Compress [folder name]".
Compressing a folder creates a .zip archive that contains all the folder's contents in a compressed format, reducing the size of the folder.
Uploading a compressed folder to Google Drive is straightforward, and you can do it through the basic upload flow. The .zip file can be uploaded just like any other file.
Once uploaded, Google Drive automatically extracts the archive and recreates the original folder structure. This means you don't have to worry about unzipping the file after it's uploaded.
Zipping folders before upload lets you transfer large batches of files while minimizing the used storage quota.
Using Google Drive API
For advanced users, using Google's API for batch uploading or file removal is an option. This method allows for more control and flexibility when uploading large files to Google Drive.
Google's API can be used by anyone, not just advanced users, in conjunction with MASV to ensure files are uploaded to Google Drive quickly and reliably.
Uploading Files via API
Advanced users can use Google's API for batch uploading or file removal, making it a convenient option for handling large files. This method is particularly useful for those who need to upload multiple files at once.
MASV is another tool that can be used to get files into Google Drive quickly and reliably. It's a great alternative for those who don't want to deal with the complexities of Google's API.
If you're having trouble with the API, you can try using MASV to upload your files. This will ensure that your files are uploaded securely and quickly.
Google's API can be used for batch uploading, but it's not the only option. You can also use MASV to upload your files, making it a great choice for those who need to upload multiple files at once.
Here are some things to keep in mind when using Google's API:
- Check your network connection.
- Disconnect and reconnect your Google account.
- Check your available storage space.
These steps can help you troubleshoot any issues you're experiencing with the API.
Using the Desktop App
The Google Drive desktop app is a great tool for uploading large files to Google Drive. It creates a special folder on your computer that syncs with your online storage.
To get started, you need to download and install the Drive for Desktop app. Once set up, you can simply drag and drop files or entire folders into this folder.
The desktop app will then upload everything in the background to the cloud. You can monitor upload progress and view the current sync status through the desktop app interface.
It's especially useful for uploading extremely large files, like entire folders with gigabytes of files.
Alternative Methods
If you're having trouble uploading large files to Google Drive, there are alternative methods you can try. One option is to use a third-party file transfer service, such as pCloud or MediaFire, which can handle large files with ease.
These services often have more generous file size limits than Google Drive and can also provide additional features like file compression and encryption. However, be aware that you'll need to create an account with the service to use it.
Alternatively, you can try breaking up your large file into smaller chunks and uploading each one separately. This can be done using a tool like the Google Drive desktop app, which allows you to drag and drop files into the app and upload them in smaller pieces.
Workarounds for Large File Uploads
If you're struggling to upload large files to Google Drive, don't worry, you have options. You can use file compression techniques and/or split your large files into several pieces, but be warned, this can be time-consuming.
Pics.io has a handy checklist to troubleshoot Google Drive upload issues, which includes checking your network connection, restarting Backup & Sync, and disabling anti-virus and Firewall software.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Check your network connection.
- Restart Backup & Sync.
- Disable anti-virus and Firewall software.
- Try running Google Drive as an administrator.
- Double-check file names, size, types, etc. and rename or resize them, if needed.
If you're still experiencing issues, you can also try refreshing your browser, downloading the video to your computer, or using a different browser to play it back.
If your large video file upload hasn't progressed in a while, try hitting Force Stop in the Google Drive app to stop the download and start over again.
Using Third-Party Chrome Extensions
Using Third-Party Chrome Extensions can be a game-changer for uploading large files to Google Drive. The Speed Uploader for Google Drive is a browser app that lets users upload batch files to a commonly-used folder within Google Drive.
It's known to be faster and more stable than Google Drive at uploading, although there aren't any hard numbers to validate. The app has generally favorable reviews and over 10,000 users in the Chrome store, making it worth considering.
One of the benefits of using a third-party Chrome extension is the ability to upload large files quickly and reliably. With Speed Uploader, you can upload batch files to Google Drive with ease.
Here are some key features of the Speed Uploader for Google Drive:
- Faster and more stable than Google Drive at uploading
- Generally favorable reviews from users
- Over 10,000 users in the Chrome store
Overall, using a third-party Chrome extension like Speed Uploader can be a great way to streamline your file upload process and save time.
Sources
- https://massive.io/how-to/upload-large-files-google-drive-quickly/
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-drive-full-try-these-steps-for-more-storage-without-paying-for-it/
- https://driveuploader.com/blog/ways-to-upload-files-on-google-drive/
- https://nira.com/google-drive-upload/
- https://blog.pics.io/a-complete-guide-to-uploading-your-files-to-google-drive/
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