Google Drive is undoubtedly the most popular cloud storage service out there. The service comes by default on all Android devices, and Google offers a generous 15GB of storage to begin with. Similar to Dropbox and OneDrive, Google Drive offers a tool called Backup & Sync for Windows and Mac. For G Suite (Now Google Workplace) users, the search giant provides the Drive File Stream app.
Backup and Sync app seamlessly replicates the folders on your computer to your Google Drive, and vice versa. The method's problem is that the folders that you sync with the Backup and Sync app stay offline on the device. Meaning, it will consume the storage on your PC or Mac. Drive File Stream aims to tackle the issue.
Drive File Stream does things differently by letting you access your computer's file browser instead of locally downloading your content. In a way, it functions like a NAS, partially if not completely.
Drive Stream used to be limited to only G Suite accounts. Google wants to extend these features to regular Drive accounts as well. Bluestacks web version. Anyone with a Google account can set up and use File Drive Stream on Windows or Mac.
Drive File Stream is a desktop application that allows saving and access to all Google Drive files on demand, directly from a computer through File Explorer. This means using almost no hard drive space and spend less time waiting for files to sync.
- Open Google Drive and select 'Download Drive File Stream for Windows' under Settings. Select the 'Download for Windows' blue button. The DriveFileStream.exe is now in Downloads and can be used to install File Stream. Execute (Open) the file.
- Open Drive File Stream and Sign in with your work/school account; Your files stream is now connected; You can find Google Drive File Stream (G:) on the navigation pane in Windows File Explorer. Any changes made to this 'local' drive on your PC, such as adding/deleting files or renaming them, will be automatically synced with your Drive.
- To install Google Drive File Stream on your personal computer, visit and click on the download for Windows button. After the installer has downloaded to your computer's drive, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing the Google Drive File Stream client.
Setup Google Drive File Stream
If your Windows or Mac laptop has low storage and you are a power user of Google Drive, I will strongly recommend giving a shot to Drive File Stream. Follow the steps to set up Drive File Stream. Anymp4 mp4 converter 6 2 21 – 4khd video converter.
Step 1: Download and Install Drive File Stream using the link below.
Download Google Drive File Stream for WindowsDownload Google Drive File Stream for MacStep 2: Open the downloaded file and go through the usual setup process.
Step 3: Download google drive for pc offline. Sign in using your Google account credential, and you are good to go.
From now on, you will see Google Drive File Stream disk in the Windows File Manager. Unlike Backup & Sync, there is no way to sync selected folders on the device. Drive File Stream will mirror your entire Google Drive account to the File Manager.
Drive File Stream Features
- Drive File Stream is a convenient way to save space on your computer, especially if you work on many shared folders that you don't need to keep on your computer.
- Drive File Stream allows you to download the content you need locally to work on it when you're offline. This means the content remains accessible but doesn't take up local storage space unless you specifically download and sync the folders and files you need to access offline.
- When you are working with offline files, you can make changes to the file, and Drive File Stream will sync the changes once your computer gets connected to the internet connection.
In theory Drive File Stream looks like a winning solution compared to Backup and Sync but wait, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Let me warn you with some of the disadvantages of using Drive File Stream.
Limitations of Drive File Stream
- Your entire Google Drive is virtually available to anyone using the PC. Both Backup & Sync and OneDrive offer the users to sync selected folders to the PC. So you can exclude a folder containing sensitive files or information. It's not possible with Drive File Stream.
- You can't sync other PC folders such as Documents or Desktop to Drive File Stream. You have to use the older method of manually uploading stuff to Google Drive.
- There is no Google Photos integration. You will have to rely on Google Photos web to manage/download photos.
Customize Drive File Stream
Google does offer quite a few customization options in Drive File Stream.
By default, the File Drive Stream app is represented by a G letter in the File manager. You can change it to X or some other alphabetical letter from the Settings app.
Tap on the upper arrow in the Windows Taskbar and click on the Drive File Stream icon. Tap on Settings at the upper right corner and go to Preferences.
Install Google Drive File Stream
You will notice the Default drive letter option. Tap on it and change the letter name.
If you are working on a tight data pack, then you might want to pause the Drive syncing in the background. Open the Drive File Stream app and select Settings > Pause syncing to halt the sync process temporarily.
Users can also limit the download rate and bandwidth usage from the Network Settings option in the app preference.
My Brief Experience With Drive File Stream
Being an OneDrive user, I always missed functions equivalent to Files on-demand on Google Drive. Drive File Stream close the crucial gap for me. I can now view the entire Google Drive folder in the File manager and completely avoid the web interface.
After using Drive File Stream and comparing it to Back up and Sync, I don't think I can go back to using the old ways to sync Google Drive on PC. My guess is, after the initial testing with personal Gmail users, Google will combine both the tools and offer something that's right on par with OneDrive and Dropbox.
Customize Drive File Stream
Google does offer quite a few customization options in Drive File Stream.
By default, the File Drive Stream app is represented by a G letter in the File manager. You can change it to X or some other alphabetical letter from the Settings app.
Tap on the upper arrow in the Windows Taskbar and click on the Drive File Stream icon. Tap on Settings at the upper right corner and go to Preferences.
Install Google Drive File Stream
You will notice the Default drive letter option. Tap on it and change the letter name.
If you are working on a tight data pack, then you might want to pause the Drive syncing in the background. Open the Drive File Stream app and select Settings > Pause syncing to halt the sync process temporarily.
Users can also limit the download rate and bandwidth usage from the Network Settings option in the app preference.
My Brief Experience With Drive File Stream
Being an OneDrive user, I always missed functions equivalent to Files on-demand on Google Drive. Drive File Stream close the crucial gap for me. I can now view the entire Google Drive folder in the File manager and completely avoid the web interface.
After using Drive File Stream and comparing it to Back up and Sync, I don't think I can go back to using the old ways to sync Google Drive on PC. My guess is, after the initial testing with personal Gmail users, Google will combine both the tools and offer something that's right on par with OneDrive and Dropbox.
Use Google Drive Like a Pro
Drive File Stream is the must-have utility for power users. If you are looking to get maximum out of Google Drive experience, then give it a try on Windows or Mac. Set up Drive File Stream and share your opinions in the comments section below. Invaders return from the planet moolah.
Google File Stream Download
Next up:If you want to know more about the current Backup and Sync tool then read the post below.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow Does Google Backup and Sync Work: A Comprehensive GuideAlso See#google apps #google
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Explore How to Use Offline File & Google Drive File Stream vs Backup and Sync
Google Drive always made it easy for users to safely store, synchronize and share data files. However, larger companies are moving to the cloud thus, the chances of data breaches, bumpy migrations, and compatibility issues are increasing also. Now, Google team has been solved these complexities and announced a new client titled as 'Drive File Stream'. It adds all files to user's computer, but only downloads the information when the user is required to open something. Google Drive Stream is a desktop application, which allows users to quickly access all G Drive data without losing valuable drive space.It stores the data in the cloud instead of the computer, and all the done changes are automatically synced to the cloud in the presence of internet connectivity. It is just like OneDrive on Windows 8. Some powerful features of Google Drive File Stream are mentioned below:
Google Drive Download Link
- Allows creating, sharing and work confidentially as a squad with Team Drives
- Full administration of sensitive organizational data via Google Vault for Drive
- Migrate simply to the cloud with its latest acquisition called the AppBridge
- Browse and manage G Drive files without downloading to the local machine
- Views files in common apps such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
- Access to relevant files directly with Quick Access to Google machine intelligence
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If you are existing Google Drive user & having trouble syncing your data from current Google Drive Account . then you can go for SysTools Google Drive Migrator which will help you to move your data to another Account.
How Google Drive File Stream Works ? - A Complete User Guide
Go with the steps below to install and access Google Drive Stream on Windows:
How to Install Google Drive Stream (DriveFileStream.exe)
- Is Google Drive Sync is presently installed on your system? If yes then, go to the step 2. If no then, skip the step 2 and follow the step 3.
- Firstly, Uninstall Google Drive Sync
- Open the Google Drive and choose 'Download Drive File Stream for Windows' from Settings menu as shown below.
- Select the 'Download for Windows' blue button
- The DriveFileStream.exe is now in Download and can be utilized to install the File Stream. Now execute/open the downloaded file
- Sign in to your Google Drive account
- Allow the Drive File Stream to access the information listed
- This process should take few minutes to execute and after that, you will have successfully installed Google Drive Stream
Access Google Drive File Stream for Offline Use
After Google Drive Stream installation, a drive named Google Drive File Stream will appear on the left in Finder or File Explorer. This folder will comprise both your personal Google Drive and the Team Drives that you are a part of.
- So, you can access GDrive Stream from the Menu Bar or from the Finder window
- Launch any of the displaying folder that you are required to open If you will open My Drive folder then, you will get a list of all the stored files in your Drive
- If you are opening the Team Drives then, a catalog of the shared drive data by team members will appear here
Working with Google Drive File Stream Offline
By default, the Google Drive Stream does not download a copy of files locally on the computer. This means if the user does not have internet connectivity then, they will not be capable to access these data files. File Stream lets end users work offline.
- To work offline hit a right-click on the desired folder or file and choose Drive File Stream >> Available Offline
Why Google Drive File Stream is Better Than Google Drive Sync ?
Drive File Stream is the best choice for most organizations. This feature lets users stream My Drive and Team Drive information directly from the cloud, that provides:
- Free disk space and good network bandwidth
- Decreases synchronization time
- Minify the amount of organization data stored on hard drives
- Users can also make the Drive files offline accessible. These cached data files synchronized back to the cloud in the presence of internet.
- Backup and Sync is the consumer sync client however, organizations can use this too. Users can store all their Drive content locally via this.
A Comparison Chart : Google Drive File Stream vs Backup and Sync
| Characteristics | Backup and Sync | Google Drive Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Use files in My Drive | ||
| Use files in Team Drives | ||
| Sync exclusive individual files in My Drive | ||
| Sync only chosen folders in My Drive | ||
| Use native apps as Microsoft Office and Photoshop | ||
| Use with users personal Google Account | ||
| Sync other folders as Documents or Desktop | ||
| Use with work or school Google Account | ||
| Use with personal Google Account |
System Requirements
- Windows : Windows 7 and above versions. Windows Server editions are not compatible
- Mac : El Capitan (10.11) and above editions
Google Drive File Stream Location
Users can find the Google Drive Stream Menu in various places, depending upon the computer you are using:
- Windows : At the bottommost right.
- Mac : At the apical right.
In this editorial, we have discussed that how Google Drive File Stream is different from the Backup and Sync & How Google Drive File Stream Works. The Backup and Sync works for G Suite consumers. Users who just likes to save the occasional files to Google Drive, this is probably the best option for them. While Google Drive Stream does not store data locally but files are streamed on demand via this. It allows browsing through the native file browser (Explorer on Windows and Finder on MAC OS ). GoogleDrive Stream will make the selected files and folders available offline and syncs data in the same way.
