How do I install and use Google Drive?

Google Drive is an application that allows you to access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer without having to synchronize your entire drive or shared drive (saving storage space on your device). With Google Drive, you can access files in your both own Drive and Shared Drives. With Google Drive, your files are stored on the cloud instead of your computer and any changes you make are automatically synchronized with the cloud for quick easy access from any device that supports Google Drive (including mobile phones, tablets, other computers, or the web).

If you have a university-provided computer, Google Drive should already be installed. If it's not installed or to install for your personal Mac or PC, follow the instructions below.

Download and Install

To download, choose your respective platform:

DOWNLOAD FOR WINDOWS DOWNLOAD FOR MAC

On your computer, open:

GoogleDrive.exe on Windows
GoogleDrive.dmg on Mac

Follow the on-screen instructions. Login using your EWU Username and SSO password (use your_username@ewu.edu for both faculty/staff and students). Select Allow on the permissions prompt.

System Requirements

Windows (64-bit only):
- Windows 10 and up
- Windows Server 2016 and up
  Learn how to check the version of your Windows.

Mac:
- MacOS Big Sur 11.0 and up

Install & set up Drive for desktop for Windows
Important: Before you start, check that your operating system is compatible with Drive for desktop.
1. Open "GoogleDriveSetup.exe."
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
On Drive for desktop, at the bottom right, in the system tray, you can find the Drive for desktop menu .

Tip: To ”Show hidden icons,” click the arrow.

To make it easier to find Drive for desktop when it's closed, you can pin it.
- To add Drive to the Start menu: In your Start menu, right click Drive Pin to Start.
- To add Drive to the taskbar: In your Start menu, right click Drive Pin to Taskbar.
Install & set up Drive for desktop for MacOS
Important: Before you start, check that your operating system is compatible with Drive for desktop.
1. Open “GoogleDrive.dmg.”
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
On Drive for desktop, at the top right, in the menu bar, you can find the Drive for desktop menu .

To make it easier to find Drive for desktop when it's closed, you can pin it.
- To add Drive to your Dock: In the “Applications” folder, drag the Drive app to the left side of the recently used apps separator line.

Using Google Drive

Once Google Drive is installed, a folder called Google Drive will appear on the left in Finder or File Explorer. You will also find the Drive Menu in a different place, depending on what computer you use. On Windows, look for the icon at the bottom right of your screen. On macOS, look at the top right of your screen. Your computer's Google Drive folder will contain both your personal Google Drive and any Shared Drives you can access. 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 automatically sync with your cloud storage.

You can install Google Drive on multiple computers and as long as they are all online, they will synchronize your files automatically between every computer.

For additional information about Google Drive, check out our FAQs.

If you need any further assistance please view our Service Catalog for other Knowledge Base articles or contact the IT Help Desk via Phone: 509.359.2247 or Email: helpdesk@ewu.edu