How to Sync Files With Google Drive for Desktop

Short answer: Install Google Drive for desktop and sign in. Then go to Settings > Preferences > Folders from Drive and choose Stream files or Mirror files.^1,2,3 Streaming keeps files in the cloud and uses little disk space; mirroring keeps a full copy on your computer.⁴

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not set up a particular computer for this guide. The steps follow Google Drive Help for Windows and Mac.

Before you start

Check that your operating system is compatible with Google Drive for desktop.¹
With a work or school account, you might not be able to use it, or your organization may have to install it for you.¹
The space tracker in Drive for desktop shows the space left on your computer, not your Google Account storage.⁵

Download Google Drive for desktop for Windows or Mac from Google Drive Help.¹
Open the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.¹
Open Drive for desktop, click Get started, then Sign in, and sign in to your Google Account. You can use up to four accounts at once.²

Step 2: choose streaming or mirroring

Step 2: choose streaming or mirroring
Question	Streaming	Mirroring
Where are the files?	In the cloud; your computer stores only files you work on or used recently.⁴	In the cloud and on your hard drive.⁴
Can I work offline?	Only with files you make available offline. Google’s general page says streamed files open only while Drive for desktop runs; on macOS 12.1 and up with File Provider, downloaded and locally created files stay accessible when it isn’t running.^4,6	Yes, files are always available offline.⁴
What can use it?	My Drive; shared drives can only be streamed.⁷	My Drive; local folders can only be mirrored.⁷

Open Drive for desktop.³
Click Settings > Preferences.³
On the left, click Folders from Drive.³
Under My Drive syncing options, select Stream files or Mirror files.³

Step 3: find your files

On Windows, the Drive for desktop menu is in the system tray at the bottom right; on a Mac, it’s in the menu bar at the top right.⁸ Your files are in the Google Drive location in File Explorer or Finder, under My Drive. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides files open in your web browser.⁸

How to check it worked

The Sync status tile on the app’s home page shows recently synced files and current activity. Sync errors appear in notifications.⁵

Switch from mirroring to streaming safely

Make sure your local files have finished syncing to the cloud.⁹
Select Stream files as above, then close Drive for desktop.^9,3
Only then delete the old mirrored folder. On Windows, quit Drive for desktop before you remove it.⁹

Keep a separate copy of important files before you switch modes or delete folders.¹⁰

FAQ

Does streaming save space in my Google Account?

No. Streamed files you own still count toward your Google storage. Mirroring uses your computer’s disk but doesn’t change your Google storage limit.⁴

Can I pause syncing?

Yes. Google says you can pause or resume syncing at any time.⁵

About this guide

Not affiliated with Google. See the methodology.

Scope: Google Drive for desktop on Windows and macOS with a personal Google Account. Work or school accounts may be managed by an administrator. Research-based; not device-tested.