Using Google Drive Desktop App (Windows)

Audience: Staff, Students

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how to use Google Drive directly from the desktop.

Summary: Google Drive’s Desktop app can be installed on your computer through the Software Center. This app allows you to download and sync your Google Drive files to your computer. It’s a great resource for ICCSD staff because each staff member has unlimited space on their Google Drive.

Desktop App

1. If the Google Drive Desktop app is not already installed or available through the Software Center program on your computer:

   • Create a Help Desk support ticket to request that Google Drive desktop be installed on your computer.

     • We will install the software on your computer, then sign out and you will do the rest.

2. Click the Start menu.

   1. Open Drive desktop from the list of applications. 

3. Once you’ve connected your Google account, your Google Drive will be available as a location in File Explorer.

4. You can then open any of your Google Drive files directly on your computer.

   1. Any saved changes will automatically sync to your Google Drive.

5. Your preferences can be adjusted at any time by clicking the Google desktop icon in the lower right corner of your desktop. 

6. This will open a small Google desktop window.

   1. Clicking the gear icon gives you a few preference options that can be adjusted.