How to Get Google Drive on Windows File Explorer: Easy Steps

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Link your Google Drive to File Explorer for easier file transfers
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Do you want to be able to access files and folders from Google Drive in Windows File Explorer? It's incredibly easy—you'll just need to install the Google Drive desktop app and sign in with your Google account. Once you've installed the app, Google Drive will appear in the File Explorer. This wikiHow article teaches you how to add Google Drive to File Explorer on your Windows PC, plus what to do if it doesn't show up.

Adding Drive on Desktop to File Explorer

To add Google Drive to File Explorer, just install the Google Drive desktop app for Windows. You can download Google Drive for desktop on the Google website. Google Drive will appear as the "G:" drive in File Explorer once installed.

Section 1 of 3:

Adding Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows

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  1. The Google Drive for Desktop app adds Google Drive to File Explorer and allows you to sync folders on your PC with Google Drive. It also adds a virtual "G:" drive for Google Drive to the File Explorer.
    • You can download Google Drive directly from the Google website . [1]
  2. Once you've downloaded the setup file, do the following to set it up:
    • Double-click the GoogleDriveSetup.exe file you downloaded. By default, your downloaded files can be found in your Downloads folder.
    • Click Yes .
    • If desired, check the options for Add an application shortcut to your Desktop and/or Add desktop shortcuts to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides .
    • Click Install .
    • Once installed, click Launch .
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  3. 3
    Click Sign in . You will be prompted to sign in with your web browser.
    • If the Google Drive for Desktop app does not open automatically, you can open it by clicking the Google Drive icon in your Windows Start menu .
    • If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by signing up for Gmail.
  4. 4
    Sign in to your Google Account. If you are already signed in to Google in your default web browser, all you need to do is click the account you want to sign in with. Otherwise, click Use another account and sign in with the username and password associated with your Google account.
    • If this is your first time installing Google Drive for desktop, you'll be prompted with a tutorial. Click Next or Skip to proceed.
  5. 5
    Find Google Drive in File Explorer. Once you are signed in to Google Drive, a new drive called Google Drive (G:) will be automatically added to the File Explorer . [2] .
    • If you don't see it, click the arrow next to This PC in the left panel to display all connected drives.
    • If you want Google Drive to appear higher in the File Explorer, you can pin it to your Quick Access menu. Right-click the Google Drive folder in the left panel of the File Explorer, and then click Pin to Quick access .
      • To move it above other items pinned in Quick access, click and drag it to the new position.
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Section 2 of 3:

Creating a Shortcut

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  1. 1
    Go to the Google Drive website in a web browser. If you just want a quicker way to access Google Drive in your web browser, you can add a Google Drive shortcut to your Start menu or taskbar. For the best experience, use Google Chrome . However, most other browsers have a similar feature.
    • This method involves creating a desktop shortcut that opens to Google Drive in your web browser. If you want a faster way to load Google Drive on the web, you can use this method, though it won't add Google Drive to File Explorer.
    • If you aren't already logged into your Google account, enter your email address and password to do so now.
    • These shortcuts can only be pinned to your Start menu or taskbar.
  2. 2
    Click â‹® . This is in the top-right corner. A drop-down menu will open.
    • Make sure you're on the Google Drive webpage when you open this menu.
  3. 3
    Click Cast, save, and share . You can find this towards the bottom of the menu.
  4. 4
    Click Create shortcut… . This is in the middle of the menu.
  5. 5
    Click Create . This is the button at the bottom-right of the pop-up menu.
    • If needed, erase the current shortcut title and enter your own.
  6. 6
    Right-click the Google Drive icon. Once the shortcut is created, you can find it on your desktop.
  7. 7
    Click Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar . The Google Drive shortcut will be pinned. Clicking the icon will open your Google Drive in your web browser.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. 1
    Make sure the Google Drive for Desktop application is running. If it's not running, the Google Drive folder may disappear from File Explorer, or clicking it might display an error. Reopen Google Drive for desktop to see if it fixes the problem.
  2. 2
    Stop and restart any Google Drive processes. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look for running programs with names like googledrivesync.exe or Google Drive File System. To stop a process , select it, and then click End Task . Then, relaunch Google Drive for Desktop.
  3. 3
    Check a different location. If you can't find your Google Drive folder in This PC , you can check its default location.
    • Open Google Drive for Desktop . The folder should open. Look at the folder's pathway near the top of the window.
  4. 4
    Restart your computer. If Google Drive still isn't showing up in File Explorer, you may need to restart your computer to finish installing it.
  5. 5
    Reinstall Google Drive for desktop. You may have corrupted files. Completely uninstall Google Drive, and then download it again.
  6. 6
    Check for updates. Updates contain important bug fixes and security patches. Open the Windows Update menu to make sure you're updated to the latest version.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/13022292?hl=en#drive_desktop_install
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10838124?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Download the Google Drive for Desktop app.
      2. Open the "GoogleDriveSetup.exe" file and click Yes .
      3. Click Install .
      4. Click Sign in with Browser .
      5. Sign in with your Google Account.
      6. Look for Google Drive as the "G:" drive in File Explorer.

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