How to use Google Drive - Computer (2024)

FAQs

How to use Google Drive on computer? ›

With Drive for desktop, files are stored in the cloud and don't need to sync with online versions, saving network bandwidth. Files that are cached for offline access will sync back to the cloud when you're online.

Go to drive.google.com. Log into your Google account with your username and password.

“My Drive” keeps the structure of your computer's Drive folder, and folders in the “computers” tab have the same structure as the folders on your hard drive that you've synced. There are other tabs, as well. You can find recently accessed files in the “recent” tab.

You can use Google Drive to store documents you create in Google Docs and back up files on your computer. In addition, you can specify any folder on your device for backup and save space by not duplicating files on local storage.

All content in Drive is stored in one of these 2 defined spaces: drive and appDataFolder . drive —Includes all user-visible files created in Drive. PDFs, documents, Google Docs, shortcuts, and other content the user uploads is located in the drive space. appDataFolder —Includes per-user application data.

Is Google Drive Free? The basic version of Google Drive is free to install. However, those who are looking for more storage space can choose to become involved with a number of paid subscription plans.

Learn what items in Google Drive use storage space

Most files in your My Drive take up space as they contain files and folders you upload or sync, such as . pdf files, images, or videos. Your space in My Drive also contains files you create, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.

The content you save on Drive is private to you, from others, unless you choose to share it. Learn how to share or stop sharing files in Google Drive.

Can you open Google Drive without Gmail? ›

Google Accounts don't have to use a gmail.com address. You can associate any existing email address with a Google Account. Alternatively, files can be shared with non-Google accounts using visitor sharing. Learn how to Share documents with visitors.

Drive File Stream is now called Google Drive for desktop. Google is making this change to create a better user experience. Starting August 18, 2021, users still on Backup and Sync will start to receive in-product notifications prompting them to transition to Drive for desktop.

Drive integrates with Google Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sheets which allow you to not only create new files but collaborate on them with your team in real time. You can upload your files online or install Drive for Desktop, which allows you to sync folders from your computer to Drive.

Google Drive is a free service from Google that allows you to store files online and access them anywhere using the cloud. Google Drive also gives you access to free web-based applications for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

Go to Drive. Select a file to download. To download multiple files, press Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) > click any other files.

All Google Drive users receive 15 gigabytes of free storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.