Google Drive is undoubtedly the most popular cloud storage service out there. The service comes by default on all Android devices, and Google offers a generous 15GB of storage to begin with. Similar to Dropbox and OneDrive, Google Drive offers a tool called Backup & Sync for Windows and Mac. For G Suite (Now Google Workplace) users, the search giant provides the Drive File Stream app.
This app is an automatic file sync and backup tool. It lets you automatically synchronize files and folders with Google Drive cloud storage and with your other devices. It is an ideal tool for photo sync, document and file backup, automatic file transfer, automatic file sharing between devices. Note: Google Drive sync support ended in December of 2017, but only because they moved to Google Backup and Sync. According to Google, there are two first-party ways to access Drive files on your desktop and keep them in sync across your devices: Drive File Stream is best for most organizations (Google explains why) Backup and Sync is best for.
Backup and Sync app seamlessly replicates the folders on your computer to your Google Drive, and vice versa. The method's problem is that the folders that you sync with the Backup and Sync app stay offline on the device. Meaning, it will consume the storage on your PC or Mac. Drive File Stream aims to tackle the issue.
Drive File Stream does things differently by letting you access your computer's file browser instead of locally downloading your content. In a way, it functions like a NAS, partially if not completely.
Drive Stream used to be limited to only G Suite accounts. Google wants to extend these features to regular Drive accounts as well. Anyone with a Google account can set up and use File Drive Stream on Windows or Mac.
Also on Guiding TechGoogle Drive Sharing Permissions Explained: A Detailed GuideRead MoreSetup Google Drive File Stream
If your Windows or Mac laptop has low storage and you are a power user of Google Drive, I will strongly recommend giving a shot to Drive File Stream. Follow the steps to set up Drive File Stream.
Step 1: Download and Install Drive File Stream using the link below.
Download Google Drive File Stream for WindowsDownload Google Drive File Stream for Mac
Step 2: Open the downloaded file and go through the usual setup process.
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Step 3: Sign in using your Google account credential, and you are good to go.
From now on, you will see Google Drive File Stream disk in the Windows File Manager. Unlike Backup & Sync, there is no way to sync selected folders on the device. Drive File Stream will mirror your entire Google Drive account to the File Manager.
Drive File Stream Features
In theory Drive File Stream looks like a winning solution compared to Backup and Sync but wait, the grass isnât always greener on the other side. Let me warn you with some of the disadvantages of using Drive File Stream.
Limitations of Drive File Stream
Also on Guiding TechHow to Clear the Cache in Google Drive and DocsRead MoreCustomize Drive File Stream
Google does offer quite a few customization options in Drive File Stream.
Google Drive Sync App Download
By default, the File Drive Stream app is represented by a G letter in the File manager. You can change it to X or some other alphabetical letter from the Settings app.
Tap on the upper arrow in the Windows Taskbar and click on the Drive File Stream icon. Tap on Settings at the upper right corner and go to Preferences.
You will notice the Default drive letter option. Tap on it and change the letter name.
If you are working on a tight data pack, then you might want to pause the Drive syncing in the background. Open the Drive File Stream app and select Settings > Pause syncing to halt the sync process temporarily.
Users can also limit the download rate and bandwidth usage from the Network Settings option in the app preference.
My Brief Experience With Drive File Stream
Being an OneDrive user, I always missed functions equivalent to Files on-demand on Google Drive. Drive File Stream close the crucial gap for me. I can now view the entire Google Drive folder in the File manager and completely avoid the web interface.
After using Drive File Stream and comparing it to Back up and Sync, I donât think I can go back to using the old ways to sync Google Drive on PC. My guess is, after the initial testing with personal Gmail users, Google will combine both the tools and offer something thatâs right on par with OneDrive and Dropbox.
Also on Guiding Tech#google driveClick here to see our google drive articles pageUse Google Drive Like a Pro
Drive File Stream is the must-have utility for power users. If you are looking to get maximum out of Google Drive experience, then give it a try on Windows or Mac. Set up Drive File Stream and share your opinions in the comments section below.
Next up:If you want to know more about the current Backup and Sync tool then read the post below.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic. Read NextBackup and Sync vs File Stream: Which Software Is Better for Managing Google Drive Files
Are you getting confused between
© tommaso79/Getty Images To sync files automatically, add the Google Drive app to your desktop. tommaso79/Getty Images
Google Drive is popular for its free programs, ease of access, and compatibility with Gmail and other Google products.
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You can download Google Drive to your PC desktop as well, enabling your computer to sync your files with Google Drive automatically.
Here's how to add Google Drive to your desktop using a PC.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:Acer Chromebook 15 (From $179.99 at Walmart)How to add Google Drive to your PC desktop
1. If you are logged in to your Google account on an internet browser, you must log out temporarily to install Google on your desktop.
2. Once you have logged out, go to drive.google.com and scroll down to the bottom of the webpage. Under the 'Downloads' column, click on 'Drive for Mac/PC.'
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider In 'Downloads,' select 'Drive for Mac/PC.' Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
3. A new tab will open. Next to the 'For Individuals' banner, click on 'Download.'
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider In 'For Individuals,' select 'Download.' Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
4. A pop-up window will appear. Click the 'Agree and Download' button.
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider Select 'Agree and Download.' Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
5. A program called 'installbackupandsync.exe' will begin downloading in your internet browser.
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider 'Backup and Sync' will download. Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
Google Drive Sync App Mac
6. Click on the program, and it should begin installing once it has finished downloading.
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider It will then install. Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
7. Once the installation is complete, click 'Close' to exit the pop-up window.
8. Google Drive should now appear on your desktop. Look for a window called 'Welcome to Backup and Sync' and click on the 'Get Started' button.
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider Click 'Get Started.' Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
9. Type in your Gmail address, click 'Next,' and then type in your Gmail password. Click 'Next' when you are finished.
10. Set your laptop's preferences for upload quality and file size. When you are finished, click 'Next.'
Backup And Sync App Windows 10© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider To sync files automatically, add the Google Drive app to your desktop. tommaso79/Getty Images
11. Set your Google Drive syncing preferences. You can sync the entirety of your computer to Google Drive, or select specific folders to sync. Once you are finished, click 'Start.'
© Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider Choose which folders you'd like to sync. Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider
Google Drive File Stream
After Google Drive is downloaded to your desktop, you will also see shortcuts to Drive programs such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
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