Google Drive File Stream- Access Google Drive in Your PC
So with Google Drive File Stream, you can access the files at ease as they are getting directly stored on the cloud. So it is taking no space on the hard disk drive. You can quickly view the files in the File Explorer.
Google launched a new desktop version for Google Drive users which is Drive File Stream and which is now available to all the G-Suite users.
What is Google Drive File Stream?
Google Drive File Stream is nothing but a desktop version that allows you to quickly access the required Google Drive files without any hassle, directly from the desktops and laptops. Using Google Drive, the files are stored in the cloud instead of the computer. So whenever you are making any changes in the files, they are getting automatically synced with the cloud for quick, easy access wherever there is an internet connection.
How to install it?
To install Google Drive File Stream on your computer follow these steps.
First of all download Google Drive File Stream for Mac or Windows. For this, you must be logged into your Google account.
Run the installation package.
Log in to the portal with the email address and password.
Select Allow on the required permissions prompt.
System Requirements
For Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
For Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13)
Getting Started
Once you install the Google Drive File Stream, a folder called Google Drive will appear on the left in File explorer. The folder will contain both the personal Google Drive and any team drives you are part of. The only difference between these files and the files stored on the computer is that these files are not stored on the computer by default. So if you make any changes it will automatically sync with the cloud.
But if you receive any error stating that Google Drive File Stream encountered a problem and has stopped, then do the following. Go to System Preferences from there go to Security and Privacy and then click Allow Google Drive Files Stream.
What are some of the features for Google Drive File Stream?
Some of the features are :
You can quickly see all the Google Drive files in the Finder/Explorer ( including Team Drives).
You can browse and organize Google Drive files without downloading all of them to your computer.
You can choose which files or folders you would like to make available offline.
You can open files in common apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
Making files available offline
Google Drive File Stream does not store any copy of your files on your local desktop or laptop. This means that if you do not have an Internet connection, you will not be able to access the files. In order to make files accessible offline, right-click on a file or folder and select Available Offline under the Drive File Stream menu. But doing so will store a copy on your computer and it will take more space on the hard space drive.
