With Google Drive for desktop Changes to files across all devices can be synced with Google Drive backups. This way, your cloud backup will not only stay up-to-date but can also be updated regardless of the device. We'll explain how to use Google Drive for desktop.

Quick Start: How to Sync Files with Google Drive

1. Download Drive for desktop and install the application.
2. Sign in with an existing Google account or create one.
3. Select the folders or files you want to upload to Drive and sync.
4. Starts backing up the selected folders and files.

What is Google Drive for Desktop?

Google Drive offers you the ability to sync your local PC files with Google Drive. All you need is the “Google Drive for desktop”. This allows you to use Google Drive offline to sync local changes, for example, if you're using Google Docs offline, the next time you access Drive. Additionally, you can upload files to Drive and align any local file changes with your cloud storage, even across different devices.

How does Google Drive for desktop work?

Google Drive for desktop not only ensures that changes to files on Mac or Windows are synced to Google Drive. The tool also makes sure that files on other devices connected to the Drive account stay up-to-date. To do this, the tool creates a separate directory for each connected device.

When you or other users sign in to the same Drive account on other devices, Drive for desktop automatically downloads the updated file to the device or transfers local changes to the cloud. This way, your files stay up to date. on all devicesA Drive backup is created continuously and synced regularly across all locations.

How to sync Google Drive automatically

Follow these steps to sync your files with Google Drive for desktop:

Step 1. First, you'll need to download the free Google Drive for desktop sync tool from Google. To do so, click "Download Drive for desktop."

Step 2. Save and open the GoogleDriveSetup.exe (Windows) or GoogleDrive.dmg (Mac) installation file. If User Account Control opens and asks if you want to allow the Google Drive Installer to make changes to your device, click “Yes.”

Step 3. The installation window will open. Here you can accept several shortcuts. We recommend checking the top box so you can easily access the application later via the taskbar. Then, click "Install."

Step 4. You'll now be prompted to sign in to your Google account via your browser. Create or select the account you want to use with Google Drive for desktop. Once you've completed registration, you'll be able to access the app.

Step 5. You can now open Drive for desktop via the Google Drive icon. The icon is located in the lower right corner of the Windows taskbar (the up arrow sign).

Step 6. After clicking the Drive icon, a small window will open showing the sync status. You can access other options via the gear in the upper right corner. Select "Preferences" here. The larger window that now appears will give you an introduction to Google Drive for desktop.

Step 7. Now you have two options to choose from. The first is "My Laptop." Here you can upload local files from your computer to Google Drive and create a backup copy of them. To do this, click "Add Folder."

Step 8. With the second option, "Google Drive," you can download files from Google Drive. If you select "View files without downloading," all files in the "My Drive" area will only be backed up to the cloud. "Replicate files," on the other hand, is a copy synchronization process. In this case, all files in "My Drive" are backed up not only to the cloud but also to your computer. Be careful: this means that file changes and deletions occur in both locations, like a mirror image. Choose the option that best suits you.

Step 9. Initially, there won't be any files in your "My Drive" section of Google Drive. You can either navigate to Google Drive via Explorer and add the files you want to back up to Google Drive under "This PC" -> "Google Drive" -> "My Drive," or you can select them via the Internet. On the Google Drive page and in other Google services, you can easily link the desired files to Google Drive. To do this, click "File" in the documents and then "Add Google Drive shortcut." Finally, select "Add shortcut."