How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows 11

Have you ever wanted to access Google Drive files quickly and easily without having to open a browser? Let's explore How to add Google Drive to File Explorer to make your workflow smoother than ever.

How to add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows 11

Step 1: To add Google Drive to File Explorer, you need to download the Google Drive Desktop app via the link HERE

Step 2: Double click on the file to proceed with the installation

Step 3: There are a few options here, asking if you want to add desktop shortcuts to Google Drive and some other parts of the Google Office suite. Click 'Install' to continue.

Step 4: After installation is complete, open the Google Drive application > Click 'Get Started'

Step 5: Select 'Sign in' to log in to your account

Step 6: Next, it will ask if you agree to allow the Drive app to access Drive files. Grant permission by clicking 'Sign in'.

How to sync files on your computer with Google Drive

Once signed in, you can sync and manage your Google Drive files right in File Explorer by:

Step 1: Select the folders you want to sync from your computer to Google Drive and click 'Next'.

While folders (Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and other custom folders) sync to Google Drive, Photos and Videos folders back up to Google Photos. The two services operate separately. Google Drive can store all types of files, including photos and videos, but Google Photos can only store photos and videos.

Step 2: Any changes you make to files in the selected folder will automatically sync to Google Drive. However, Google Photos only backs up new files in the selected folders. The app will tell you the difference between Google Drive and Google Photos, click “Got it” in the message box to continue.

Step 3: Next, select the folders you want to back up to Google Photos and click 'Next'. You can skip this step by pressing 'Skip'.

Step 4: Continue clicking Next > Next

Step 5: Finally, click 'Open Drive' to open the Google Drive folder in File Explorer.

Now that Google Drive has been successfully added, you can easily access it from File Explorer. You will see a new drive named Google Drive in both the 'This PC' section and the left sidebar.

Now, folders Google Drive Once your Drive files are available locally, you can do a lot to manage your Drive files right in File Explorer.

Epilogue

With the simple steps above, you can know How to add Google Drive to File Explorer to quickly access cloud files from Windows and manage it like any other drive right on your computer. Good luck!