How to Download, Install, and Use Drive Sync: A Complete Guide
Drive sync is a feature that allows you to synchronize your files and folders across different devices and cloud storage services. It lets you access, edit, share, and backup your files from anywhere, anytime, and from any device. Whether you want to work on a project with your team, store your photos and videos online, or keep your important documents safe, drive sync can help you do that easily and securely.
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In this article, we will show you how to download, install, and use drive sync on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device. We will also explain some of the benefits, alternatives, and solutions to common problems of drive sync. By the end of this article, you will be able to use drive sync like a pro.
How to Download and Install Drive Sync
Drive sync is a desktop application that you can download from Google's website. It works with Google Drive, Google Photos, and other cloud storage services that support file syncing. Here are the steps to download and install drive sync on your computer or mobile device.
How to Download Drive Sync for Windows or Mac
Go to on your web browser.
Select Download under Drive for desktop.
Read the terms of service and click Agree and download.
Save the installer file on your computer.
Run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen.
When the installation is complete, launch drive sync from the Start menu or Applications folder.
How to Download Drive Sync for Android or iOS
Go to on your web browser.
Select Download for Android or Download for iOS, depending on your device.
You will be redirected to the Google Play Store or App Store page of drive sync.
Select Install or Get, then Open.
If prompted, sign in with your Google account.
Grant the necessary permissions for drive sync to access your files.
How to Use Drive Sync
Once you have installed drive sync on your device, you can start syncing your files and folders between your computer and Google Drive or Google Photos. You can also sync files and folders between your computer and other cloud storage services that support file syncing. Here are some of the things you can do with drive sync.
How to Sync Files and Folders Between Your Computer and Google Drive or Google Photos
On your computer, open drive sync from the system tray or menu bar.
Select More (three dots icon), then Preferences.
Under Google Drive, choose how you want to sync your files and folders. You can either sync everything in your Google Drive to a folder on your computer, or sync only selected folders.
Under Google Photos, choose whether you want to sync photos and videos from your computer to Google Photos, and in what quality.
Select OK to save your settings.
Drive sync will start syncing your files and folders in the background. You can see the sync status and progress by hovering over the drive sync icon in the system tray or menu bar.
To access your synced files and folders, open the Google Drive folder or Google Photos folder on your computer. You can also access them online by going to on your web browser.
How to Sync Files and Folders Between Your Computer and Other Cloud Storage Services
If you have other cloud storage services that support file syncing, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud, you can also use drive sync to sync files and folders between your computer and those services. Here are the steps to do that.
On your computer, open drive sync from the system tray or menu bar.
Select More (three dots icon), then Add cloud storage.
Select the cloud storage service that you want to add, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud.
If prompted, sign in with your account for that service and grant permission for drive sync to access your files.
Select the folder on your computer where you want to sync files and folders from that service.
Select Add to confirm.
Drive sync will start syncing your files and folders in the background. You can see the sync status and progress by hovering over the drive sync icon in the system tray or menu bar.
To access your synced files and folders, open the folder on your computer that you selected for that service. You can also access them online by going to the website of that service on your web browser.
How to Access and Manage Your Synced Files and Folders Online or Offline
One of the benefits of drive sync is that you can access and manage your synced files and folders online or offline. This means that you can work on your files even when you don't have an internet connection, and they will be automatically updated when you go online. Here are some of the things you can do with your synced files and folders online or offline.
How to Access Your Synced Files and Folders Online
To access your synced files and folders online, you can use any web browser on any device. Here are the steps to do that.
Go to on your web browser.
If prompted, sign in with your Google account.
You will see all your synced files and folders from Google Drive, Google Photos, and other cloud storage services that you added with drive sync.
You can open, edit, share, download, delete, or move any of your synced files and folders online. Any changes you make will be reflected on your computer and other devices where you have drive sync installed.
How to Access Your Synced Files and Folders Offline
To access your synced files and folders offline, you can use the Google Drive folder or Google Photos folder on your computer. You can also use the drive sync app on your Android or iOS device. Here are the steps to do that.
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How to Access Your Synced Files and Folders Offline on Your Computer
Open the Google Drive folder or Google Photos folder on your computer. You can find them in the File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
You will see all your synced files and folders from Google Drive, Google Photos, and other cloud storage services that you added with drive sync.
You can open, edit, copy, paste, rename, or delete any of your synced files and folders offline. Any changes you make will be automatically updated when you go online.
How to Access Your Synced Files and Folders Offline on Your Android or iOS Device
Open the drive sync app on your Android or iOS device. You can find it in the app drawer (Android) or home screen (iOS).
If prompted, sign in with your Google account.
You will see all your synced files and folders from Google Drive, Google Photos, and other cloud storage services that you added with drive sync.
You can open, edit, share, download, delete, or move any of your synced files and folders offline. Any changes you make will be automatically updated when you go online.
To make a file or folder available offline, tap on the three dots icon next to it and select Make available offline. This will save a copy of the file or folder on your device's storage. You can access it even when you don't have an internet connection.
How to Collaborate on Microsoft Office Files in Real Time with Drive Sync
Another benefit of drive sync is that you can collaborate on Microsoft Office files in real time with other people. This means that you can work on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook files with your team members or clients, and see each other's changes as they happen. You can also chat and comment on the files, and keep track of the revision history. Here are the steps to do that.
On your computer, open drive sync from the system tray or menu bar.
Select More (three dots icon), then Preferences.
Under Microsoft Office, check the box next to Enable real-time presence in Microsoft Office from Drive for desktop.
Select OK to save your settings.
Open the Google Drive folder on your computer and locate the Microsoft Office file that you want to collaborate on. Make sure that the file is synced with Google Drive.
Double-click on the file to open it with Microsoft Office. You will see a drive sync icon on the top right corner of the file.
To invite other people to collaborate on the file, click on the drive sync icon and select Share. Enter their email addresses and choose their access level (view, comment, or edit). You can also copy and paste the link to the file and send it to them.
To see who is working on the file with you, click on the drive sync icon and select Show collaborators. You will see their names and cursors on the file.
To chat with your collaborators, click on the drive sync icon and select Show chat. You can type messages and send emojis to them.
To comment on the file, select the text or cell that you want to comment on and click on the Review tab. Then click on New Comment and type your comment. You can also reply to or resolve other people's comments.
To see the revision history of the file, click on the File tab. Then click on Info, then Version History. You can see all the changes made to the file by different people, and restore a previous version if needed.
Drive Sync Alternatives
Drive sync is not the only option for file syncing and backup. There are many other cloud storage services that offer similar or better features than drive sync. Here are some of the best alternatives to drive sync that you can try.
Dropbox
is one of the most popular cloud storage services that lets you sync files and folders across different devices and platforms. It offers 2 GB of free storage space, and up to 16 GB if you refer friends or complete tasks. You can also upgrade to a paid plan that starts from $9.99 per month for 2 TB of storage space. Dropbox has many features that make it a great alternative to drive sync, such as:
Smart Sync: This feature lets you save space on your computer by keeping only the files that you need online. You can still access them from your computer as if they were stored locally, but they won't take up any disk space.
Selective Sync: This feature lets you choose which folders you want to sync with Dropbox and which ones you don't. This way, you can have more control over your storage space and bandwidth usage.
L ive Sync: This feature lets you sync files and folders with other people in real time. You can see who is working on the same file as you, and chat and comment on the file. You can also create shared folders and invite people to join them.
File Recovery and Version History: This feature lets you restore deleted or corrupted files and folders within 30 days. You can also see the previous versions of your files and folders, and revert to them if needed.
Dropbox Paper: This feature lets you create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more online. You can collaborate with other people on the same document, and add comments, images, videos, and more.
OneDrive
is Microsoft's cloud storage service that lets you sync files and folders across different devices and platforms. It offers 5 GB of free storage space, and up to 1 TB if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can also buy more storage space starting from $1.99 per month for 100 GB. OneDrive has many features that make it a great alternative to drive sync, such as:
Files On-Demand: This feature lets you save space on your computer by keeping only the files that you need online. You can still access them from your computer as if they were stored locally, but they won't take up any disk space.
Personal Vault: This feature lets you protect your sensitive files and folders with an extra layer of security. You can lock them with a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face recognition. You can also set them to automatically lock after a period of inactivity.
File Sharing and Collaboration: This feature lets you share files and folders with other people via email, link, or social media. You can also collaborate on Microsoft Office files in real time with other people, and see their changes as they happen.
File Recovery and Version History: This feature lets you restore deleted or corrupted files and folders within 30 days. You can also see the previous versions of your files and folders, and revert to them if needed.
OneDrive Photos: This feature lets you sync photos and videos from your computer or mobile device to OneDrive. You can also view, edit, organize, and share your photos and videos online.
iCloud
is Apple's cloud storage service that lets you sync files and folders across different devices and platforms. It offers 5 GB of free storage space, and up to 2 TB if you upgrade to a paid plan that starts from $0.99 per month for 50 GB. iCloud has many features that make it a great alternative to drive sync, such as:
iCloud Drive: This feature lets you sync files and folders between your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Windows PC. You can also access them online by going to on your web browser.
iCloud Photos: This feature lets you sync photos and videos from your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Windows PC to iCloud. You can also access them online by going to on your web browser.
iCloud Backup: This feature lets you backup your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iCloud automatically or manually. You can also restore your device from a backup if needed.
iCloud Keychain: This feature lets you store your passwords, credit card information, Wi-Fi networks, and more securely on iCloud. You can also access them across your devices with your Apple ID.
iCloud Family Sharing: This feature lets you share your iCloud storage space, purchases, subscriptions, location, photos, calendars, reminders, notes, and more with up to five family members.
Drive Sync Problems and Solutions
Drive sync is not perfect. Sometimes, you may encounter some problems with drive sync that prevent you from syncing your files and folders properly. Here are some of the common problems that users face with drive sync, and how to troubleshoot and fix them.
Drive Sync Not Working or Syncing
If drive sync is not working or syncing your files and folders correctly, there are several possible causes and solutions. Here are some of the things you can try:
Check your internet connection: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact Google's support team for further assistance. You can contact them by opening drive sync from the system tray or menu bar, and selecting More (three dots icon), then Help and feedback, then Contact us. You can also visit for more information and resources.
Drive Sync Causing File Conflicts or Duplicates
If drive sync is causing file conflicts or duplicates, it means that there are two or more versions of the same file or folder that have different changes or names. This can happen when you or someone else edits the same file or folder on different devices or platforms, or when you move or rename a file or folder. Here are some of the things you can do to resolve file conflicts or duplicates:
Choose a version to keep: Drive sync will notify you when there is a file conflict or duplicate, and ask you to choose a version to keep. You can see the details of each version, such as the date, time, size, and location. You can also preview the content of each version, if possible. Choose the version that has the most recent or correct changes, and delete or rename the other versions.
Merge the versions: If you want to keep the changes from both versions, you can try to merge them into one file or folder. This may not be possible for all types of files or folders, but it works well for text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and some others. To merge the versions, open the file or folder with the application that supports it, such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, or Google Sheets. Then, look for an option to compare or combine the versions, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Avoid making simultaneous changes: To prevent file conflicts or duplicates from happening in the future, try to avoid making simultaneous changes to the same file or folder on different devices or platforms. If you need to work on a file or folder with other people, use drive sync's collaboration features, such as live sync, file sharing, and commenting. This way, you can see each other's changes in real time, and avoid creating conflicting or duplicate versions.
Conclusion
Drive sync is a useful feature that lets you sync files and folders across different devices and cloud storage services. It helps you access, edit, share, and backup your files from anywhere, anytime, and from any device. It also lets you collaborate on Microsoft Office files in real time with other people. Drive sync is easy to download, install, and use on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device. However, it may also cause some problems, such as not working or syncing properly, or creating file conflicts or duplicates. In this article, we have shown you how to troubleshoot and fix these problems with drive sync.
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about drive sync and how to use it effectively. If you have any questions or feedback about drive sync, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about drive sync that we have answered for you.
How much storage space does drive sync use?
Drive sync uses the same storage space as your Google Drive account. You can see how much storage space you have used and how much is left by going to .
How secure is drive sync?
Drive sync is secure as it encrypts your files and folders when they are in transit and at rest on Google's servers. It also protects your files and folders with your Google account password and two-factor authentication. However, you should also take some precautions to keep your files and folders safe from unauthorized access or loss, such as using a strong password , changing your password regularly, logging out of your account when not using it, and backing up your files and folders to another location.
How to uninstall drive sync?
If you want to uninstall drive sync from your device, you can follow these steps:
How to Uninstall Drive Sync from Windows
On your computer, open the Control Panel.
Select Programs and Features.
Find and select Drive for desktop from the list of programs.
Select Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstallation.
How to Uninstall Drive Sync from Mac
On your computer, open the Applications folder.
Find and drag Drive for desktop to the Trash.
Empty the Trash.
How to Uninstall Drive Sync from Android or iOS
On your device, open the Settings app.
Select Apps or Applications.
Find and select Drive for desktop from the list of apps.
Select Uninstall.
Confirm your action.
How to sync multiple Google accounts with drive sync?
If you have more than one Google account that you want to sync with drive sync, you can do that by adding them to drive sync. Here are the steps to do that:
On your computer, open drive sync from the system tray or menu bar.
Select Add account.
Sign in with your Google account that you want to add.
Select the folders that you want to sync with that account.
Select Start.
You can switch between different accounts by clicking on the drive sync icon and selecting the account that you want to use.
How to pause or resume drive sync?
If you want to pause or resume drive sync, you can do that by clicking on the drive sync icon in the system tray or menu bar. Then, select Pause syncing or Resume syncing, depending on what you want to do. You can also choose how long you want to pause drive sync, such as 15 minutes, 1 hour, or until tomorrow. 44f88ac181
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