Stay connected to your files with Google Drive for Desktop

Stay connected to your files with Google Drive for Desktop

The Google Drive for Desktop application that allows you to you access your Google Drive and Shared Drive files directly from from Windows File Explorer—no web browser required. You can also select files and folders to make available for offline use for when you don't have an internet connection.

With Drive for Desktop, you can:

• Access Drive like a local folder in Windows File Explorer
• Sync files across devices automatically
• Work offline by choosing which files or folders you want available without internet access
• Back up local folders, like Documents or Desktop, to your Google Drive

When you install Google Drive for Desktop on your computer, it creates a drive in Windows File Explorer named Google Drive. All of your My Drive and Shared Drive files will appear there. You can transfer files between your computer and Drive or browse and organize your Drive files right in Windows Explorer. 

Offline files

If you need to work with files that are stored in Google Drive and Shared Drives when you don't have access to an internet connection, Google Drive for Desktop allows you to select which files you need access to. Marking files and folders available offline makes them take up space on the local hard drive. To save a file offline:

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to save offline
2. Click Offline access > Available offline

Getting Started:

• Install and set up Drive for Desktop
• Sync files and folders to Drive for Desktop

Whether you're in the office, on the road, or working remotely, Drive for Desktop helps keep your files organized and accessible wherever you are.

Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu