Are you tired of switching between multiple tabs and apps just to access your Google Drive files? If so, it might be time to add Google Drive to your File Explorer. Not only will this make it easier to access and organize your files, but it will also allow you to use all of the features and functions of File Explorer, such as search and file management, on your Google Drive files.
In this post, we’ll go over how to connect Google Drive to File Explorer on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of using Google Drive and why it’s a great option for file storage and sharing.
Table of Contents
How to Connect Google Drive to File Explorer
Before you can add Google Drive to File Explorer, you’ll need to make sure you have a Google Account and have downloaded the Google Drive app. If you don’t already have a Google Account, you can create one for free by visiting the Google Account page and following the prompts. Once you have a Google Account, you can download the Google Drive app from the Google Drive website or the Microsoft Store.
Once you have the Google Drive app installed, follow these steps to connect it to File Explorer:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on the “This PC” tab in the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on the “Add a network location” option.
- Click on the “Next” button.
- Select the “Choose a custom network location” option and click “Next.”
- In the “Internet or network address” field, enter “https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive” and click “Next.”
- Enter your Google Account login information and click “Sign in.”
- Give your Google Drive a name (e.g. “My Google Drive”) and click “Next.”
- Click “Finish” to complete the process.
Your Google Drive should now appear as a separate folder in the left sidebar of File Explorer. You can access and manage your Google Drive files just like you would any other files on your computer.
How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer Windows 11
The process for adding Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows 11 is similar to the process for Windows 10, with a few minor differences. Here’s how to do it:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on the “This PC” tab in the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on the “Add a network location” option.
- Click on the “Next” button.
- Select the “Choose a custom network location” option and click “Next.”
- In the “Internet or network address” field, enter “https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive” and click “Next.”
- Enter your Google Account login information and click “Sign in.”
- Give your Google Drive a name (e.g. “My Google Drive”) and click “Next.”
- Click “Finish” to complete the process.
How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer Windows 10
To add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows 10, you’ll need to have the Google Drive app installed on your computer. If you don’t already have it, you can download it from the Google Drive website or the Microsoft Store.
Once you have the Google Drive app installed, follow these steps to add it to File Explorer:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on the “This PC” tab in the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on the “Add a network location” option.
- Click on the “Next” button.
- Select the “Choose a custom network location” option and click “Next.”
- In the “Internet or network address” field, enter “https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive” and click “Next.”
- Enter your Google Account login information and click “Sign in.”
- Give your Google Drive a name (e.g. “My Google Drive”) and click “Next.”
- Click “Finish” to complete the process.
Your Google Drive should now appear as a separate folder in the left sidebar of File Explorer on Windows 10. You can access and manage your Google Drive files just like you would any other files on your computer.
What Makes Google Drive Great
There are many reasons why Google Drive is a great option for file storage and sharing. Here are just a few:
- Large storage capacity: Google Drive offers 15 GB of storage for free, with the option to upgrade to more storage if needed.
- Easy collaboration: With Google Drive, it’s easy to share files and collaborate with others in real-time. You can invite people to view or edit your files, and see changes as they’re made.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Google Drive is available on a variety of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. This means you can access your files from any device with an internet connection.
- Integration with other Google apps: Google Drive integrates with other Google apps, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it easy to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Security: Google Drive uses state-of-the-art security measures to protect your files, including encryption and two-factor authentication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding Google Drive to File Explorer is a convenient way to access and manage your Google Drive files, and the benefits of using Google Drive as your file storage and sharing solution are numerous. Whether you’re using it for personal or business purposes, Google Drive is a great choice.
