How to install Google Drive for desktop

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Google Drive for desktop allows you to either sync the documents in Google Drive to your computer or use Google Drive to back up files on your computer.

Check if Google Drive for desktop is already installed

While you are logged onto your Windows computer:

  1. See if the Google Drive for desktop icon Triangular google drive icon.  is on the right-hand side of your task bar - you may need to select the arrow to view hidden icons:
    Arrow pointing up on bottom of computer screen to google drive icon.
    If the Google Drive for desktop icon is on your task bar, go to the instructions: Setting up Google Drive for desktop.
    If Google Drive is not on the list, continue below.

Download Google Drive for desktop

  1. Open your browser.
  2. Search “Download Google Drive” in your browser.
  3. Click on any result from Google.com.
    You will now see something like:
    Screenshot from google drive reading safely store your files and access them from any device.
  4. Click Google Drive for desktop to download Google Drive (see the image above).
  5. Once the download is complete it will look like this:
    Screenshot of complete file download called Google Drive Setup.exe.

Install Google Drive for desktop

  1. Click on the download (bottom left of your screen - see the image above). It will show
    Googledrivesetup.exe (Windows) or GoogleDrive.dmg (Mac)

    The following images are for Windows, Mac will be similar.

    You will now see:
    Screenshot of google drive installer saying 'do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?'.
  2. Click Yes (if you do not have admin rights, contact your IT administrator for assistance).
  3. Choose your preferred shortcuts.
  4. Click Install.
    You will see a progress bar for the installation, and then:
    Google drive popup reading 'sign in with browser'.
  5. Click on Sign in with browser.
    You will be asked to choose your account (see the image below), or to log in to Google Drive for desktop.
    Choose an account screen with 'demo account' selected.
  6. Choose your account and/or log in as instructed.
    You will see:
    Screenshot reading 'Make sure that you downloaded this app form Google' with a sign-in button.
  7. Read the pane carefully.
    If you downloaded Google Drive from Google.com:
  8. Click Sign in and log in.
    You will now see:
    Screenshot reading 'Success! You've signed into Google Drive'.
  9. Close the Success pane (see the image above).
  10. Select the installation pane.
    Screenshot reading 'Google Drive successfully installed'.
  11. Click close.

    Two changes will now be visible on your computer:
    A Google Drive for desktop icon on your task bar (you may need to click on the arrow for it to show):
    Arrow pointing up on bottom of computer screen to google drive icon.
    Click on this to access settings and other functions related to Google Drive for desktop.

    Google Drive (G:) will show in File explorer. This is where you access files that are in your Google Drive and move files currently on your device to if you want them to be based in Google Drive.

    Note: selecting Google Drive via the Windows button opens G: drive, it doesn’t provide the functions of the icon in the task bar.

  12. Continue to the instructions Setting up Google Drive for desktop below.

Setting up Google Drive for desktop

  1. Click the Google Drive for desktop icon Triangular google drive icon.  on your task bar - you may need to select the arrow to view hidden applications:
    Arrow pointing up on bottom of computer screen to google drive icon.
    The Google Drive app will open.
    Screenshot with 'Preferences' selected.
  2. Click on the settings cog on the top right of the app ('1' in the image above).
  3. Select Preferences ('2' in the image above).
    If this is your first time in Google Drive for desktop, you will now see:
    Screenshot reading 'Get started with Drive for desktop' with 'Take Tour' selected.
  4. Click Take a Tour to get an overview of Google Drive for desktop.
    When you have completed the tour, you will see:
    Screenshot reading 'Safely back up your files' with 'Add folder' selected.
  5. Click away from this Window to close it.

Choose syncing or backing up

The next guide you use will depend on which option you choose (you should only choose one, and your school may choose for you).

  • Syncing is for people who mainly work with their documents in Google Drive online and want the option of accessing and working with files on their computer. This is the recommended option for people who have reliable internet access.
  • Backing up is for people who are using Google Drive for desktop to backup documents that they create, edit, and store on their computer. This is the recommended option for people with who mostly work offline.

Next steps

Follow the instructions in either:

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