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: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server 2012 and up.
Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13) or newer, follow these additional steps:
- Open Drive File Stream.
- At the top left of your screen, go to Apple menu
and then System Preferences and then Security & Privacy and then General.
- Next to "System software from developer 'Google, Inc.' was blocked from loading," click Allow.
Microsoft Outlook requirements
Drive File supports Microsoft Outlook version 2010 or greater.
Drive File supports Microsoft Outlook on Windows only.
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