Add Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows 10 to access files on your PC, without having to open Drive in your browser. This feature also allows you to make your Drive files available offline, so you can access them without an internet connection. Here's how to do it: Google file stream setup.
- Download and install the Drive File Stream utility for Windows
- Open Drive File Stream and Sign in with your work/school account
Select 'Continue' to link the new files and folders with the Google Drive folder that you have on your desktop. This will make one big Google Drive folder on your desktop with both old and new files. However, since you disconnected your main account, you won't be able to add or remove files from this new folder. The Windows Google Drive folder is located in Windows File Explorer. To find the Mac Google Drive folder, you will need to look in Finder. The Linux Google Drive folder will be placed in the Linux system file manager. To use the Google Drive folder like an application.
- Your files stream is now connected
You can find Google Drive File Stream (G:) on the navigation pane in Windows File Explorer. Any changes made to this 'local' drive on your PC, such as adding/deleting files or renaming them, will be automatically synced with your Drive.
Files are not available offline unless you choose to download them. To download a document, right-click on it and select Available offline. You will notice that a green check mark will appear over its icon to indicate that the file has been downloaded on your PC and it's now available for offline use.
Using Google Drive As Working Directory
If the option to make a file available offline is disabled (greyed out), open the document in Chrome, go to File and select Make available offline. This will enable the option for all your documents so check with your administrator before you turn it on.
