How to Download From Google Drive (Files, Folders, Formats)

Downloading from Google Drive should be a one-click job, and usually that's all it takes. Where it gets confusing is with several files at once, whole folders, Google's own file types, and files someone else has shared with you that won't download at all. Here's how to handle each.

How to download one file

1. Go to drive.google.com.
2. Right-click the file.
3. Click Download.

The file lands in your computer's Downloads folder. Google notes you can't drag a file from Drive straight onto your desktop, so use Download.

How to download several files or a whole folder

1. Click the first file.
2. Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and click each of the others.
3. Right-click any of the selected files and click Download.

For a folder, right-click it and choose Download. When you download several files or a folder, Drive packages them into a zipped file, so you'll need to unzip it on your computer to get at the files inside.

How to download Google Docs, Sheets and Slides in another format

Google's own files don't exist as Word or Excel files until you download them. Open the file, then click File, Download and pick the format you need.

File type	Common download formats
Google Docs	Word, PDF, plain text
Google Sheets	Excel, PDF, CSV
Google Slides	PowerPoint, PDF, images

PDF is the safest choice when you're sending something to a client to read, because it looks the same on every device.

How to download on your phone

In the Google Drive app, tap the three dots next to a file and look for the download option. On an iPhone the wording can be Open in or Send a copy, which lets you save the file to the Files app or open it in another app. On Android, the file goes to your Downloads folder.

The catch: some files won't download, and that's deliberate

If the Download option is missing on a file someone shared with you, it isn't broken. Google explains that owners can turn off download, print and copy for anyone with only view or comment access. The only fix is to ask the owner to allow downloads or give you edit access.

The other common error is Too many users have viewed or downloaded this file recently. It happens when a file has been shared widely. Google says the restriction is temporary and typically resets within 24 hours. If you can't wait, go to Shared with me, right-click the file, choose Make a copy, then download the copy from My Drive.

Other reasons a download fails

• Browser extensions, especially ad blockers and download managers. Turn them off and try again.
• A security warning on a file Google thinks is suspicious. Only continue if you trust the sender.
• A blocked cookie setting in your browser, which can stop Drive downloads on the web.
• Not enough space on your computer for a large folder.

If you're sharing big files for other people to download

If you're the owner and lots of people need the file, a public Drive link can hit that download limit. Google suggests sharing directly with specific people or groups rather than public links, and using dedicated hosting for very large files such as big videos or zip archives.

For large photo collections, it's often easier to download from Google Photos instead. My guide to changing your Google Photos backup account is useful if your photos are spread across accounts.

Downloading everything from Google Drive at once

If you want a full copy of your Drive, for example before closing an account or leaving a job, selecting files one by one isn't practical. Google Takeout, Google's own export tool, lets you download all your Drive files in one go. You choose Drive, pick the file formats you want for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, and Google prepares a set of zipped files for you to download. Large Drives are split into several parts, so leave time for it.

For a single project, downloading its folder is quicker. For everything, Takeout is the tool.

Where downloaded files end up

• On Windows and Mac, in your Downloads folder unless your browser asks where to save.
• On Android, in the Downloads folder in the Files app.
• On iPhone, wherever you save them in the Files app, or inside the app you opened them in.

If you can't find a download, check your browser's download list. It shows the exact file name and lets you open the folder it went into.

My verdict

Downloading from Google Drive is right-click, Download, or select several files with Ctrl or Command first and get them zipped. Use File, Download to turn Google files into Word, Excel or PDF. When a download is blocked, it's usually the owner's setting or a temporary limit that clears within a day, and making your own copy gets around the limit. If you're moving files out of Drive for good, my comparison of Dropbox alternatives covers where to put them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download my whole Google Drive?

Yes. Use Google Takeout to export all your Drive files as zipped downloads.

How do I download all files from a Google Drive folder?

Right-click the folder and choose Download. Drive zips the contents for you.

Why can't I download a file someone shared with me?

The owner may have turned off downloading for viewers and commenters, or the file has hit a temporary download limit.

How do I download a Google Doc as a Word file?

Open it, click File, Download and choose Microsoft Word.

Can I drag files from Google Drive to my desktop?

No. Google says you can't drag a file or folder directly to your desktop, so use Download.

How long does the too many downloads error last?

Google says it's temporary and typically resets within 24 hours.