File Stream: What is it and how to install Google Drive for computers

One of the advantages of having Google applications for companies G Suite (Google Workspace) is the possibility of storing all your documents in the cloud without worrying about losing data. However, in the event that during your working day you also use other desktop applications (outside the Google packages), this automatic synchronization is not possible, unless you activate File Stream . Don't know what Google File Stream is? Would you like to automatically back up and sync all your desktop files to Drive? We explain it to you in this post.

What is Google Drive File Stream

File Stream (now called Google Drive for computers) is a service that Google offers for all businesses that have the G Suite (Workspace) suite of applications. Therefore, if you do not have these licenses, you will have to hire them or settle for using their free version (Google Backup and Synchronization). However, File Stream is one of the best options for those companies that work with desktop applications and heavy files. In other words, it is like a Google Drive for computers.

Thanks to this application, you will have a folder on your desktop connected to your Drive, where you can store all your files. Furthermore, you will also be able to access all these files and edit them directly through this desktop folder. When you save them, they will be synchronized automatically .

What do you need to have File Stream

In order to benefit from File Stream services (Google Drive for computers) you will need:

1. A G Suite (Workspace) account: if you do not have it or have the free Gmail account, you must contract it. You can do it through our website, since we are an Official Google Partner. You can contact us and we will help you manage the entire registration process. If you already have a G Suite account, you can go to the next step.
2. Make sure you have enough space: depending on your G Suite (Workspace) account, each user will have more or less space. For example, if you have a G Suite Basic (Starter) account, your space will be 30 GB per user. If you need more space, you have two options: contract a superior G Suite plan , or contract additional space for one/several specific accounts. Whatever your decision, you can contact us and we will help you.
3. Review access to the application: finally, you must verify that Drive File Stream can be used by your organization. You can check with your G Suite Account Manager or IT Manager to make sure.

How to sync Google Drive desktop folder

Once you have everything you need to start using Drive File Stream, we'll show you the steps you need to follow to sync Google Drive with your PC.

1. Download the app and install it

To get started, you'll need to install Drive for computers. This is compatible for both Mac and Windows. I remember that in the case of Chromebooks (Chrome OS), it will not be necessary to install the application, since this synchronization is automatic.

• Windows: Download the document here and run it in silent mode.
• Mac: Download the document here and run it in silent mode.

2. Sign in 

To proceed with the installation, you will need to log in with the account you want to sync. Make sure it's the correct G Suite account.

3. Transfer the documents

Once logged in, you will see that in your desk a folder named «Drive File Stream». If you don't see it, go to your team unit. If you enter it, you will see that all the folders and documents that you already had created in your Drive account appear. now you can start transferring your documents, either by creating a folder directly from here or from Drive, or by uploading your files to the folders you already had created.

In the case that you want to transfer the documents from a folder that you already have on your desktop, you can drag it directly to the location in Drive where you want to upload it. You can also copy the files/folder, and paste them into File Stream.

In this step, it is essential that you know exactly how much the files you want to upload take up and how much space you have available, since in the upload process you could reach the limit.

4. Check Drive file sync

After uploading the documents, you can check the update status of your files from File Stream. If you have Windows , go to the lower right section of the taskbar , open the dropdown and click on the File Stream application. In the case of Mac , follow the same process, but in the upper right bar.

Once you have clicked on this application, a window will appear with the latest files synchronized from your desktop and notifications .

5. Open and edit files from File Stream

Once the documents are already transferred to File Stream , you will be able to access and edit them. You will only have to go to the File Stream desktop folder and directly open the document . For example, if you are editing a file with an Adobe application, you can open and edit it directly. When you're done, all you have to do is save the file , and it will automatically update in File Stream .

6. Pause timings

At some point you may want to pause the sync process if your connection is weak or you have a heavy workload on your computer. To do so, go to the File Stream taskbar window, click Setting, y ve a «Pausar la Sincronización». When you want it to be reactivated, you will only have to repeat the process and click on «Seguir con la Sincronización».

7. Everything updated and without copies on hard drives

As you will have seen, with this process you can save yourself the process of manually uploading files and versions to Google Drive , or storing these files on a hard drive or external drive. This greatly facilitates the day-to-day work of those professionals who work with heavy documents and editing (Marketing, design, architecture?).

Using this method, all your important files will be in your Drive folder, and if you need to edit them in a desktop app, you can do so via the local folder on your computer.

When is it appropriate to use Drive File Stream?

At uCloudStore, Google's Premier Partner, we always recommend companies that have G Suite services (Workspace) to consider the option of using File Stream, Google Drive for computers. In addition, it is an excellent option if:

• Your company is dedicated to marketing, design or architecture , so you use many desktop applications , such as Adobe Photoshop or any of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with very large documents that cannot be opened or edited from Drive .
• Your company has a professional dedicated to marketing or design , who can also meet one of the characteristics discussed below.
• You're using a Mac or Windows computer (not a Chromebook ), so uploading files to Drive is often manual. In this way, you can make your backup and synchronization of the files of the computers automatically.
• A significant portion of your work takes place outside of G Suite applications .
• Your team uses different devices during their regular activity (Mac and/or Windows), so they can't always access the files on their desktop. In this case File Stream is very useful, since your File Stream desktop folder will have access to all your devices

How to uninstall Drive for computers

In the event that you want to uninstall Google Drive for computers, on your computer or throughout your organization, you must follow the following steps.

1. Sign out of Google Drive for desktop

1. 1. Open Google Drive for desktop, and click on Settings.
   2. Click on Preferences > Settings .
   3. Disconnect your account and click OK .
   4. Once you've signed out, click Settings > Sign Out .

2. Uninstall Drive for computers

on a computer

Follow the same process you usually follow to uninstall programs from your computer.

in your organization

a.windows

Use the following command: %PROGRAMFILES%\Google\Drive File Stream\ \uninstall.exe –silent –force_stop

In the event that Google Drive for computers is running, you must also enter the following fragment: –force_stop.

The Drive for Computers UninstallString registry key, (Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{6BBAE539-2232-434A-A4E5-9A33560C6283}), points to uninstall.exe.

b. macOS

Open Finder and right-click on /Applications/Google Drive.app. Then select Move to Trash .

Solutions to problems you may encounter

Google has detected a series of problems that can be repeated on certain occasions. Here we leave you with the list:

1. Duplicate documents

Until now, Google Drive File Stream does not support duplicating Google documents (Docs, Sheets, Slides) from the same tool.

2. Windows compatibility

Some Windows laptops and tablets with ARM processors do not support Drive File Stream. An example is the Microsoft Surface Pro X or the devices using the Apple M1 .

3. File Stream issues with antivirus

In some cases you may need to exclude Drive File Stream from your antivirus scan. This will be necessary if the error appears several times «Se ha producido un problema en Drive para ordenadores y se ha detenido».

4. Pop-ups

If you are a version 41 user and have had your account disabled or removed, you may see multiple login pop-ups.

Alternatives to Google Drive for Computers

Do you need help implementing File Stream?

If you want to implement Drive File Stream and need help to do so, you can contact us because, as a Google Premier Partner, we can help you and guide you throughout the process.