Google Drive File Stream User Guide 


Google File stream/ Google Drive App will not currently work on Apples Newest M1 Notebooks, This is expected to be rectified in April 2021 by google.                      

What is it? 

                       

Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that allows you to quickly access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer without losing precious drive space. With Google Drive File Stream, your files are stored on the cloud instead of your computer, and any changes you make are automatically synced with the cloud for quick, easy access anywhere you have an Internet connection. 

                       

What does Google File Stream do? 

                       

Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that allows you to quickly access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer without losing
 precious drive space. 

                       

Installation 

  1. Download Google Drive File Stream for Mac or Windows. You must be logged into your Google account to see this page.                         
  2. Run the installation package.                             
  3. Log into the portal with your DOW email address and password.                             
  4. Select Allow on the required permissions prompt.                                                 


System Requirements 

  • Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.                         
  • Mac: Catalina (10.15)               
                                                                                                                        

Getting Started 

                       

Once Google Drive File Stream is installed, a folder called Google Drive will appear on the left in Finder or File Explorer. This folder will contain both your personal Google Drive and any Team Drives you are part of. The only difference between these files and any other file on your computer is that these files are not stored on your computer by default, and any changes you make to them will sync automatically with your cloud storage. 

                       

macOS known issue: If you receive an error that says, Google Drive File Stream encountered a problem and has stopped, Go to System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Allow Google Drive Files Stream. 

                                                       
What are the features for Google Drive File Stream?                                                                                     
                                                            
  • Quickly see all your Google Drive files in Finder/Explorer (including Team Drives).                             
  • Browse and organise Google Drive files without downloading all of them to your computer.                         
  • Choose which files or folders you'd like to make available offline.                             
  • Open files in common apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.                                               
                                                                                                                                   

How much storage do I have for my Drive files? 

                           

CeDOW Google Accounts have unlimited storage. All Student & Staff Accounts are unlimited in size.

                           

Making Files Available Offline 

                           

By default, Google Drive File Stream does not store a copy of your files on your local computer. This means that if you do not have an Internet connection, you will not be able to access these files. In order make your files accessible offline, right-click on a file or folder and select Available Offline under the Drive File Stream menu. Please note that doing so will store a copy on your computer, using up more of your hard drive space. 

                           

Where can I get more information? 

                           

To get started with Drive, visit the Drive Help Center. Please note that to see this page and install the new app, you must log into Google with your DOW Google Account username and password. 

                           

File Stream is an application that lets
 you stream My Drive and Team Drive files directly from the cloud, which in turn: 

                                                                    
  1. Allows quick access to all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer.                                 
  2. Frees up disk space and network bandwidth.                                 
  3. Decreases sync time.                         
                                                                                                                      

Must Watch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVJLTndfnzE