What is Google Drive for Desktop and how do I use it?

What is Google Drive for Desktop?

Google Drive for Desktop is a desktop app that replaced the Google Drive app. Google Drive for Desktop is currently being implemented in Bucknell accounts. With Google Drive for Desktop, you can quickly sync and access local files on your hard drive to Google Drive. 

You can use this app on these operating systems:

• Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
• Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13), follow these steps.

Why should I use Google Drive for desktop?

• Automatic Syncing
  • The desktop version of Google Drive syncs your files between your computer and the cloud in Drive. This allows for you to have up-to-date files on any device.
• Accessing your files without a browser
  • Allows you to manage and access your file directly from your computer without having to go through a browser.
• Offline Access
  • You are able to mark files for offline use if you know you will be without a reliable Internet connection.
• File Backup
  • Google Drive for desktop can back up important folders from your computer, which can be beneficial if there were computer failure or data loss.
• Seamless Collaboration with the Google Workspace
  • Access and share files with others that are automatically updated on every device.
• Saving space
  • Instead of storing everything on your hard drive, you can store your files in the Drive to save computer hard drive space.

Download Google Drive for Desktop

Locate "Google Drive for Desktop" from your list of installed programs and open it. You will need to sign in to your Bucknell account. Click the blue "SIGN IN" button.

Type your FULL email address, including "@bucknell.edu" in the next window that appears and click "NEXT".

On the next screen, type your short username (WITHOUT "@bucknell.edu") and your password and click Login. You may be asked to authenticate to Duo.

If it is your first time running the program, you may see some introductory slides.

Accessing Google Drive for Desktop on Windows

1. When you are done installing and are logged in, you will see a new drive appear on your computer:
   

2. If you open this drive, you will see two options. Team Drives are not currently implemented on the Bucknell network. You can open "My Drive" to view your documents from Google Drive.
   

3. You can copy, edit, or move files to/from your local hard disk to this folder and they will be synced with your Google Drive.

Accessing Google Drive for Desktop on Mac

1. When you are done installing and are logged in, you will see a new icon appear on your desktop:
   

2. If you open this drive, you will see two options. Team Drives are not currently implemented on the Bucknell network. You can open "My Drive" to view your documents from Google Drive.
   

3. You can copy, edit, or move files to/from your local hard disk to this folder and they will be synced with your Google Drive.

What do I do when my G: drive no longer shows up?

If your G: drive no longer shows up, open the Google Drive for Desktop app and re-sign in.