However, when you go with the mirror option, those files are saved in /Users/USERNAME/My Drive (Where USERNAME is your macOS username). When you opt to stream files, they are saved in a virtual drive that can be mounted and unmounted. Once the app was uninstalled, I double-checked to ensure all of my directories and files were safe on Google Drive. Because I'm absolutely paranoid about my files and folders on Google Drive, I took the safest route possible and first uninstalled the Google Drive client from my MacBook Pro. However, during my original installation, I opted (for whatever reason) to go with the mirror option. How to configure the Google Drive client for streamingīefore I take you down this road, know that the Google Drive client does default to the stream option. Do that, and the operating system will slow to a crawl. And given I paid for 2TB of Google Drive storage, you can bet that consumed every bit of space on my drive. I connected Google Drive (via the Desktop Client) to my MacBook by way of mirroring the files, which synced every file in my Drive account to local storage. Mirror files: files are stored on both Google Drive and local storage and are all made available offline.Īt this point, I'm certain you know what happened with that earlier installation.
Desktop client for google drive for mac Offline#
All files that are either opened or made available offline will be stored in a virtual drive in your local storage. Stream files: all files are stored on Google Drive cloud only unless you open a file or make it available offline. Google offers two different types of sync with the client, which are: You must understand this most important concept for protecting your storage space with the Google Drive Client. With that taken care of, let's see how we can avoid a storage nightmare. The desktop client installation is very simple for both platforms, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting it up and running and connected to Google Drive.
Desktop client for google drive for mac windows#
I will assume that you already have the Google Drive Desktop Client installed on either macOS or Windows (please, Google, create an official client for Linux!) and have it linked to your Google Drive account. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.