Google Drive File Stream: The Best Way to Manage Your Cloud Storage
Google Drive File Stream: What Is It and How to Use It
Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services in the world, with over a billion users. It lets you store, access, and share your files online, as well as collaborate with others using Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
But what if you want to access your Google Drive files directly from your computer, without using a web browser or downloading them to your hard drive? That's where Google Drive File Stream comes in.
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In this article, we'll explain what Google Drive File Stream is, how it works, what are its benefits and drawbacks, how to use it, and what are some alternatives to it.
What Is Google Drive File Stream?
Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that lets you stream your Google Drive files directly from the cloud to your Mac or PC. It frees up disk space and network bandwidth by only downloading files when you need them.
With Google Drive File Stream, you can access all your files in Google Drive without having to sync or download them to your computer. You can also choose which files or folders you want to make available offline for faster access or when you don't have an internet connection.
Google Drive File Stream is different from Google Backup and Sync, another desktop app that lets you sync your Google Drive and Google Photos with your computer. Backup and Sync downloads all your files and folders to your computer and keeps them in sync with the cloud. This means that any changes you make on one device will be reflected on the other, but it also takes up more disk space and network bandwidth.
How Does It Work?
How Does It Work?
To use Google Drive File Stream, you need to download and install the app on your Mac or PC. You also need a Google account and an internet connection.
Once you install the app, you'll see a new drive in your computer called Google Drive, where you can access all your files and folders in Google Drive. You can also access your shared drives, if you have a Google Workspace account.
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The files and folders in Google Drive are not stored on your computer, but streamed from the cloud when you open them. You can see the status of each file or folder by looking at the icons next to them:
Icon
Status
Available online only. The file or folder is not stored on your computer, but you can stream it from the cloud when you have an internet connection.
Available offline. The file or folder is stored on your computer and synced with the cloud. You can access it even when you don't have an internet connection.
Syncing. The file or folder is being synced between your computer and the cloud.
Error. There is a problem with syncing the file or folder. You can hover over the icon to see more details.
What Are the Benefits?
Google Drive File Stream has several benefits over other cloud storage services or desktop apps. Here are some of them:
It saves disk space and network bandwidth by only downloading files when you need them.
It lets you access all your files and folders in Google Drive, including shared drives, without using a web browser or syncing them to your computer.
It lets you work offline or online, and syncs your changes automatically when you reconnect to the internet.
It integrates with Google Workspace apps, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and lets you collaborate with others in real time.
It supports various file types, such as Microsoft Office, PDF, images, videos, and more.
It has built-in security features, such as encryption, virus scanning, and version history.
What Are the Drawbacks?
Google Drive File Stream also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before using it. Here are some of them:
It requires an internet connection to stream files from the cloud. If you lose your connection or have a slow or unstable one, you may not be able to access some of your files or folders.
It may not work well with some third-party apps or software that expect files to be stored locally on your computer.
It may cause some compatibility issues with other Google Drive desktop apps, such as Backup and Sync or Drive for desktop (formerly Drive File Stream).
It may not support some features or functions that are available on the web version of Google Drive, such as sharing settings, trash, or comments.
It may have some bugs or glitches that affect its performance or functionality.
How to Use Google Drive File Stream?
How to Install It?
To install Google Drive File Stream on your Mac or PC, follow these steps:
Go to and download the installer for your operating system.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Sign in with your Google account when prompted.
Wait for the installation to complete and for the app to launch.
You should see a new drive in your computer called Google Drive, where you can access all your files and folders in Google Drive.
How to Stream or Mirror Files?
To stream or mirror files from Google Drive File Stream, follow these steps:
Open the Google Drive drive in your computer and navigate to the file or folder that you want to stream or mirror.
Right-click on the file or folder and select Drive File Stream.
Choose one of the following options:
Stream: This option will stream the file or folder from the cloud when you open it. You'll see a cloud icon next to it.
Mirror: This option will download the file or folder to your computer and keep it in sync with the cloud. You'll see a green checkmark icon next to it.
You can also change the default option for all files and folders by clicking on the Drive File Stream icon in your taskbar or menu bar, selecting Preferences, and choosing either Stream files on demand or Mirror files on demand.
How to Sync or Backup Files?
To sync or backup files with Google Drive File Stream, follow these steps:
Open the Google Drive drive in your computer and navigate to the file or folder that you want to sync or backup.
Right-click on the file or folder and select Drive File Stream.
Choose one of the following options:
Sync: This option will sync the file or folder between your computer and the cloud. Any changes you make on one device will be reflected on the other. You'll see a blue sync icon next to it.
Backup: This option will backup the file or folder to the cloud. Any changes you make on your computer will not affect the cloud version. You'll see a gray exclamation mark icon next to it.
You can also change the default option for all files and folders by clicking on the Drive File Stream icon in your taskbar or menu bar, selecting Preferences, and choosing either Sync files on demand or Backup files on demand.
How to Work Offline or Online?
To work offline or online with Google Drive File Stream, follow these steps:
To work offline, you need to make sure that th