How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer (Windows and Mac)

Opening a browser every time you need a file gets old fast. If you'd rather drag, drop, rename and open your Google Drive files just like the documents on your computer, you want Google Drive in File Explorer. Google makes this possible with a free app called Google Drive for desktop. Here's how to set it up, how it works, and the storage point that confuses almost everyone.

Install Google Drive for desktop on Windows

1. Download Google Drive for desktop from Google's Drive help or download page.
2. Open the file called GoogleDriveSetup.exe.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Sign in with your Google account when the browser opens.
5. Open File Explorer. You'll see a Google Drive location with My Drive and Shared drives inside.

After installing, look for the Google Drive icon in the system tray at the bottom right. Click the small arrow to show hidden icons if you can't see it, and pin it so it's easy to find.

Prefer a folder to a drive letter? In the Drive for desktop settings you can choose to stream your files to a folder on your computer instead, or change which drive letter Google Drive uses, which helps if another drive already uses that letter.

Install it on a Mac

Download the Mac version, open GoogleDrive.dmg and follow the prompts. Google Drive then appears in Finder, and its menu sits in the menu bar at the top right.

Using Drive in File Explorer

• Double-click to open files. Google says Docs, Sheets and Slides files open in your browser, while other files open in their usual desktop apps.
• Drag files into the Google Drive folder and they upload to Drive automatically.
• Edits sync both ways, so a change on your laptop shows up on drive.google.com and vice versa.
• Mark files or folders for offline use, including files from shared drives, so you can work without internet.

Streaming versus mirroring: choose carefully

Mode	What it does	Best for
Streaming	Shows all files but downloads them only when you open them; uses almost no computer space	Laptops with small drives
Mirroring	Keeps a full copy of your files on your computer	Working offline a lot, with plenty of space

Google's own wording sums it up: streaming a file uses almost no computer space, while mirroring downloads a full copy to your computer. If your laptop is short on space, stick with streaming.

The storage point that confuses everyone

Here's the insight most guides skip. Google says the space tracker in Drive for desktop shows the room left on your computer's hard drive, not your Google account storage. They're two different things. And shared files can fill up your hard drive if you sync them, but they never count against your Google storage. So if Drive for desktop says you're nearly full, check your computer's disk, not your Google plan.

Using more than one Google account

Google says you can use up to 4 accounts at one time with Google Drive for desktop, which is handy if you have a personal account and a business account. Add the second account from the Drive for desktop menu. One warning: if a streaming account is disconnected, Google says any offline files are removed, so make sure nothing important exists only offline before you disconnect.

Work or school accounts

If you use a work or school account, Google notes that you might not be able to use Google Drive for desktop, or your organisation might have to install it for you. If the install fails or the sign-in is blocked, ask your IT administrator before trying workarounds.

Working with Microsoft Office files

This is where Drive for desktop earns its place for many small businesses. Google says that with Microsoft Office you can work in Office and sync files to Google Drive, and even work on Office files with others in real time. So if your clients send Word and Excel files, you can keep them in Drive and open them in the desktop apps you're used to, without converting anything.

When the Google Drive folder doesn't show up

1. Check the app is running: look for the icon in the system tray or menu bar.
2. Make sure you're signed in to the right Google account.
3. Restart the app from the Start menu, then reopen File Explorer.
4. If you see permission errors, check the folder's security settings with your administrator.

Once it's running, tidy your folders so you can find things quickly in File Explorer. My guide to freeing up space on Google Drive helps when your storage fills, and how to transfer ownership in Google Drive is useful when a team member leaves and their files need a new home.

My verdict

Install Google Drive for desktop, sign in, and Google Drive appears in File Explorer or Finder with My Drive and Shared drives inside. Use streaming on small laptops, remember the space tracker measures your computer rather than your Google storage, and never disconnect an account while files exist only offline.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get Google Drive in File Explorer?

Install Google Drive for desktop, run GoogleDriveSetup.exe and sign in. Google Drive then appears in File Explorer.

Is Google Drive for desktop free?

Yes. You download it from Google and sign in with your Google account.

Does Google Drive for desktop use space on my computer?

Streaming uses almost no computer space. Mirroring keeps a full copy of your files on your computer.

Can I add two Google accounts to File Explorer?

Yes. Google says you can use up to 4 accounts at one time with Google Drive for desktop.

Why can't I install Google Drive for desktop on my work computer?

Work or school accounts may be blocked from using it, or your organisation may need to install it for you.