Install Google Drive for desktop & sync files

Updated 24 September 2026For Google Workspace

Install Google Drive for desktop (0:31)

Google Drive for desktop puts your Drive files in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), and keeps them in sync with the web.

Before you start

Check these first, especially on a company computer.

Your computer’s operating system must be one Google supports. See Google’s system requirements.
Some companies install Drive for desktop for staff or block it. If the installer will not run, ask your IT person or admin.
You need your Google Workspace email and password. First time signing in? See sign in to Google Workspace.

The installer is the same for every account; you choose your account when you sign in.

Go to Google’s Drive download page and click Download Drive for desktop. There is no download link in Drive’s own menus. You can also download the installer directly for Windows or Mac.
Open GoogleDriveSetup.exe (Windows) or GoogleDrive.dmg (Mac). On Windows, the Install Google Drive? screen has two checkboxes: one adds an app shortcut to your desktop, the other adds desktop shortcuts to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. Tick the ones you want, click Install, then click Launch when it finishes.
Open Google Drive for desktop, click Get started, then Sign in.
In the browser window that opens, sign in with your work email and password. A page then says Make sure that you downloaded this app from Google; click Sign in. The browser shows that sign-in worked, and you can close that window.
Drive for desktop then shows a short setup. It explains that Drive is now in File Explorer or Finder, gives a tip about making files available offline, and offers Choose folders to sync to Google Drive. You can click Skip for that one. When you see You’re all set!, click Open Drive.

When it finishes, a Google Drive entry appears in File Explorer or Finder with My Drive and Shared drives inside. The Drive for desktop icon sits in the system tray at the bottom right (Windows) or the menu bar at the top right (Mac).

File Explorer showing Google Drive (G:) with My Drive and Shared drives

Stream or mirror your files

Drive for desktop can keep My Drive on your computer in two ways. Pick the one that suits your internet and disk space.

Stream files: files stay in the cloud and download when you open them. Uses little disk space, but you need internet for files you have not made available offline.
Mirror files: a full copy sits on your computer. Works without internet, but uses as much disk space as your Drive.

To change it:

Click the Drive for desktop icon, then the gear icon, then Preferences.

The first time you open Preferences, a Get started with Drive for desktop tour may pop up. Click No thanks or Take tour.
Click Google Drive on the left (it has “Folders from Drive” under it). The other item, My PC, is for backing up folders from your computer. If a My Drive syncing options note appears, click OK.
Under My Drive syncing options, choose Stream files or Mirror files.

Shared drives can only be streamed. Before switching from mirror to stream, let every file finish syncing so nothing is lost.

Work with your files

Treat the Google Drive folder like any other folder. Changes you make there sync to the web, and the other way round.

Drive for desktop showing a sample file successfully uploaded

Double-click an Office or PDF file to open it in its usual app. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides open in your browser.
Save straight into the Google Drive folder from Word or Excel to keep files backed up.
To keep a streamed file on your computer for travel, see use Drive offline.

Still stuck

WhatsApp our support team at +60 16-916 3324.

Common issues

Do shared files I sync use my Google storage?

No. Files other people shared with you never count towards your Google storage. They can still fill up your computer's disk if you keep them offline.

I deleted a file from the Google Drive folder on my computer. Is it gone?

It moves to Trash everywhere, including on the web, and stays there for 30 days. See find & restore files in Google Drive to get it back.

Can I add my personal Google account as well?

Yes. Drive for desktop can run up to 4 accounts at once. Click the Drive for desktop icon, then your profile picture, then Add account.

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