Fourth, you may now sign in to as many as four different Google accounts at once, which gives you access to files and distinct configuration options for each account. Third, Drive for desktop also offers the ability to backup photos (including screenshots and RAW photos) to Google Photos. Second, it allows you to select and sync files and folders between your device and Google Drive.

First, it lets you access Google Drive from your local system (i.e., either Apple’s Finder on macOS or Microsoft’s File Explorer on Windows) without the need to open a web browser. Once installed, the Google Drive for Desktop app delivers four key features for people who use Windows or macOS devices. TechRepublic Premium editorial calendar: IT policies, checklists, toolkits, and research for download Top TechRepublic Academy training courses and software offerings of 2022

On Windows, the app appears in the system tray (lower right corner), while on macOS, the app displays in the menu bar (top of the screen). The app may be added to a system either by an individual or deployed by an administrator to organization-managed devices.

The app handles tasks previously offered in two separate apps, the Google Drive File Stream app and the Backup and Sync app. The Google Drive for Desktop app gives people who use Windows or macOS devices streamlined access to Google Drive folders and files. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews.

We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. Google Drive for Desktop app: 4 reasons why you should install itĪndy Wolber thinks that Google Drive for Desktop is a must-install app for people who use Google Workspace with Windows or macOS systems.

What is google drive used for