Sync with Your Computer

When you want the files stored in your Google Drive to be accessible from your computer, you can install the Drive File Stream application.

Drive File Stream syncs content directly from the cloud to your PC or Mac. The files remain stored in the cloud, so any changes made by you or other collaborators are automatically updated everywhere. If you will be working offline, you can selectively make files accessible offline. Once you reconnect, the files sync back to the cloud and update to the most recent version for all collaborators.

Install Drive File Stream

1. Click the Settings button.

   If you’re using a Google Account for work or school, a Get File Stream option is listed. Google Accounts for individuals will have a Get Backup and Sync option instead. The applications are similar, but optimized for organizational or personal use.

2. Select Get Drive File Stream.

   A new browser tab opens with more information about File Stream.

3. Expand the Download & install Drive File Stream section.
4. Click a Download button.

Open Drive File Stream

1. Click the Drive File Stream icon on the taskbar.

   Here, you can see the sync status, recent activity, and notifications.

2. Click the folder button.
3. Navigate to the Drive folder you wish to access.

You’ll see all the same files that are stored in your Google Drive. You can add, organize, and open Drive content, including Microsoft Office files, directly from here. The cloud icon on folders and files means that they are synced to Drive. Any changes in File Stream will automatically update in Drive and any changes in Drive will automatically update in File Stream.

Make Content Available Offline

By default, Drive File Stream doesn’t store a copy of your files locally on your computer; it’s all stored in the cloud. However, if you will be without the internet, you can make content available offline.

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to make available offline.
2. Select Drive File Stream.
3. Select Available offline.

A green checkmark replaces the cloud icon to indicate it’s available offline. Once you are connected to the internet again, the content will automatically sync to the cloud, so the latest version is available on Google Drive from a browser.

Pause or Resume Syncing

If you want to stop content from automatically syncing between your Google Drive cloud and Drive File Stream, you can pause syncing.

1. Click the Drive File Stream icon on the taskbar.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Select Pause Syncing or Resume Syncing.

When paused, Drive File Stream won’t sync local changes to Drive.