Opening a browser tab every time you need an item is tedious. However, if you add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows, you’ll have easier access to the cloud-based files. Google Drive in File Explorer turns it into any drive you connect to your PC. You can move files on your PC to Google Drive and vice-versa. You can also manage how files sync with Google Drive. We’ll show to add Google Drive to File Explorer for straightforward access to your online files.

How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer

Note: We’re using Windows 10 for this article, but the steps are virtually identical for Windows 11. The first thing you’ll need to do is integrate Google Drive by linking it to File Explorer on Windows. To link Google Drive and File Explorer, do the following:

Moving Files Between Google Drive and PC

You can move your files just like having an internal or external drive connected to your PC. For example, we’re copying a music file from Google Drive to an external USB flash drive.

Of course, it works the other way too. For example, you can move files from your PC to Google Drive with a drag and drop.

This option makes moving files between your local machine and Google Drive much simpler. When you add Google Drive to File Explorer, it provides a tool to improve your workflow.

Manage Google Drive Sync Settings

Once you install Google Drive, and it’s showing in File Explorer, you can manage its sync settings. Managing these settings will help ensure you have access to the files you need. There are a couple of ways to sync your data. The Stream method allows you to download files from Google Drive to your PC. The Mirror method allows you to keep files in Google Drive and your PC. Keep in mind that the Mirror method puts a copy of your file on your PC, which can affect your PC’s storage space. To manage Google Drive sync settings, use the following steps:

Using Google Drive on Windows

Having your Google Drive accessible in File Explorer is more manageable than opening a webpage to access them. The cloud files will act as though they are available on your local machine. Remember that using the Mirror files sync option will use more storage space on your local drive. The Stream files sync option will store files in the cloud only. However, you can still move cloud-based files from Google Drive to your local or connected drivers. You can also make specific items available offline. If you’re new to Google Drive, read about tips and tricks that make it a pleasure to use. Also, if you’re getting unwanted items in Google Drive, you can block users from sharing items with you on Google Drive. Comment Name * Email *

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