How to Sync Google Drive and OneDrive Files to Your Computer

0
94
How to Sync Google Drive and OneDrive Files to Your Computer

Credit: Help Desk Geek

While most PCs can use Google Drive and OneDrive, they do require an internet connection. Sync them with your PC to use them offline!

Your cloud storage account is now operational! You may now share files with your friends and colleagues with ease. But what if you can’t access your files because you don’t have access to the internet?

To get local access to your online files, follow these steps.

Google Drive

Google Drive

Credit: Ars Technica

This is one of the most widely used cloud services. Gmail accounts come with at least 15 GB of cloud storage as standard. You may also upgrade your storage space to 2 TB. If you wish to access your Google Drive while offline, follow these steps:

1. Install the Google Drive application

Install the Google Drive application

Credit: MakeUseOf

The Google Drive app for Mac and Windows may be downloaded from the Google Drive page.

Install the file you downloaded by opening it. by ticking the appropriate boxes

2. Open the Google Drive Window

Open the Google Drive Window

Credit: MakeUseOf

In the notification box, look for the Google Drive icon. To see the status window, click on it.

3. Go to Google Drive Preferences

Go to Google Drive Preferences

Credit: MakeUseOf

Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner of the Google Drive Status Window. Then select your selection. Google Drive Preferences will open in a new window.

4. Select Google Drive

Select Google Drive

Credit: MakeUseOf

Choose the Google Drive option in the left-hand column of the Google Drive Preferences box.

In the main window, you should see syncing choices for Google Drive and My Drive. Choose Mirror files from the My Drive syncing choices.

5. Confirm My Drive Folder Location

Confirm My Drive Folder Location

Credit: MakeUseOf

A Confirm My Drive folder path will appear when you choose Mirror files.

If you want to move the folder, choose Change folder location. Choose Confirm location after you’re happy with the folder location.

6. Restart Your PC

Restart Your PC

Credit: MakeUseOf

After selecting Confirm, you’ll be sent back to the Google Drive Preferences box. Save the file. You’ll see a new popup requesting you to restart your computer. Now select Restart.

All of your Google Drive files will be available on your computer once it restarts, even if you’re offline.

When you open This PC in the File Explorer app, you may see your Google Disk as another drive.

One Drive

One Drive

Credit: Coriniumtech

Microsoft’s offering is OneDrive. When you join up for it, you’ll get 5GB of free storage. If you purchase a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you will receive a 1 TB cloud drive. You might also purchase up to 2TB of additional storage.

1. Download and Install the OneDrive App

Download and Install the OneDrive App

Credit: MakeUseOf

On the Microsoft website, you may download the OneDrive app. If you have a Mac, you can also get it via the App Store. If you have a Windows 10 PC, though, it is almost certainly preloaded.

2. Set Up OneDrive for the First time

Set Up OneDrive for the First time

Credit: MakeUseOf

If the OneDrive window does not open after installation, or if it is already installed, go to your Start Menu and search for OneDrive. You should be able to discover it in your notification area if it’s already operating. The OneDrive Status box appears when you click on the logo.

When it appears, select Sign In to see the Set-Up OneDrive window.

3. Sign In or Create an Account

Sign In or Create an Account

Credit: MakeUseOf

In the Email address bar, type your email address. If you don’t already have an account, go ahead and create one. Choose Sign in instead if you already have one. Remember to type your password in the next window!

4. Your OneDrive Folder

Your OneDrive Folder

Credit: MakeUseOf

You’ll have the opportunity to change the location of your OneDrive folder in the following dialog. Do it immediately if you want a unique place! It is not possible to update this later without first logging out and then logging back in.

If you wish to alter it, click Change location. A new window will appear, enabling you to select where your OneDrive files should sync to your PC. Select Folder once you’ve made your decision. The file explorer will close and you will be returned to the previous window. Select Next.

5. Quick Instruction Guide

Quick Instruction Guide

Credit: MakeUseOf

Brief instructions for using your OneDrive account may be found in the three windows below. Read them all; they’ll be very helpful to new users. Above all, read and remember the All your files, read, and on-demand window.

The three status symbols in this window will indicate which files are Online-only, On this device, and Always accessible. Click Next once you’ve acquainted yourself with these icons.

6. Finishing Set Up

Finishing Set Up

Credit: MakeUseOf

The next window will show that your setup is complete, whether you clicked the Get the mobile app or later button as described before. Then, to see your cloud files on your PC, choose to Open my OneDrive folder.

7. Your OneDrive Folder in File Explorer

Your OneDrive Folder in File Explorer

Credit: MakeUseOf

A new File Explorer window will appear, displaying your computer’s OneDrive folder.

8. Keeping Files and Folders Always Available on Your Computer

Keeping Files and Folders Always Available on Your Computer

Credit: MakeUseOf

All you have to do is right-click a file or folder to make it always available on your computer. The context menu will appear. Select Always keep on this device from the options. The file’s status icon should change from a blue cloud outline or a green check outline to a solid green circle with a checkmark when you click it.

Even if you’re not online, all files and folders with that status mark will be accessible on your computer. If you make changes while offline, OneDrive will automatically sync all of your modifications whenever you’re connected to the internet.

Find your primary OneDrive folder, right-click it, and choose Always retain on this device to have all of your OneDrive files available on your computer. This will store all of your OneDrive files on your PC.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.