Choose an Option for Working Offline with Files in Google Drive and Shared Drives
There are a couple of options for working with offline files with Google Drive and Google shared drives.
Challenge
I need to be able to work with my files that are in Google Drive and shared drives when I don't have access to an internet connection.
Solutions
There are a couple of options for working with offline files with Google Drive and Google shared drives.
Google Drive for Desktop
Drive for desktop (formerly Google Drive File Stream) is a desktop application that allows you to access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer for quick, easy access anywhere you have an internet connection. Your files are stored in the cloud instead of your computer, and any changes you make are automatically synced with the cloud. In addition, you can select which files you would like to make available for offline use.
Recommended Resources
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Access all or some of your Drive or shared drives files from Windows Explorer or Mac Finder
- Open files in their native applications such as Microsoft Word and make edits that go back into Google Drive or shared drives
- Mark files and folders to become available to you offline so you can work on Drive files without internet access
Backup and Sync
Backup and Sync synchronizes and stores your My Drive files from the cloud onto your computer. This takes more time and uses more local drive space, but also enables you to manage all of your files and backup local files to Drive from your desktop. This app will not work with Google shared drives.
Note: In order to sign into the Backup and Sync application with your UMN Account - you will need to choose the option at the bottom of the Sign-In window that says 'sign in via web browser' when you are doing the initial setup.
Recommended Resources
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Access all or some of your Drive files from your Windows Explorer or Finder on your Mac
- Choose files and folders on your computer to be backed up in Google Drive
- Backup and Sync does not work with Google shared drives
- Automatically upload photos to Google Drive