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 cloud documents 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. You do not know what it is Google File Stream? 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 companies that have the application package G Suite (Workspace). 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). Nevertheless, File Stream it 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, these will be automatically synchronized.

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 a free Gmail account, you must contract it. You can do it through our website, since we are an Official Google Partner. You may contact us and we will help you manage the entire registration process. In case you already have an account G Suite, you can go to the next step.
2. Make sure you have enough space: depending on your account G Suite (Workspace) 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: hire a G Suite premium plan, or contract additional space for one/several specific accounts. Whatever your decision, you can contact us and we will help you.
3. Review application access: 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.

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How to sync Google Drive desktop folder

Once you have everything you need to start using Drive File Stream, we will show you the steps you must follow to synchronize 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 here the document and run it in silent mode.
• Mac: download here the document and run it in silent mode.

2. Sign in 

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

3. Transfer the documents

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

In this step, it is essential that you know exactly how much the files you want to upload occupy 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 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 top right bar.

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

5. Open and edit files from File Stream

When 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, Y will automatically update in File Stream.

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6. Pause timings

At some point you may want to pause the synchronization 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 on Setting, and go to “Pause Synchronization”. When you want it to be reactivated, you just have to repeat the process and click on "Continue with Synchronization".

7. Everything updated and without copies on hard drives

As you have seen, with this process you can save yourself the process of manual file upload 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 through 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 (Workspace) services 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 package Adobe Creative Cloud, with very heavy documents and that they cannot be open or edit from Drive.
• Your company has a professional dedicated to marketing or design, which also can meet one of the characteristics discussed below.
• you are using computers Mac or Windows (No chrome book), 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.
• An important part of your work is carried out outside of G Suite apps.
• your team uses different devices during your normal activity (Mac and/or Windows), so you can't always access the files on your desktop. In this case File Stream is very useful, as your File Stream desktop folder will have access to all your devices

How to uninstall Drive for computers

in case you want 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 computers

1. 1. Open Google Drive for computers, and click on Settings.
   2. Click on preferences > Setting.
   3. Disconnect your account and click To accept.
   4. Once you have logged out, click Setting > Leave.

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 case 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.

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Solutions to problems you may encounter

From Google, a series of problems have been detected 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 allow to duplicate Google documents (Docs, Sheets, Slides) from the same tool.

2. Windows compatibility

Some Windows laptops and tablets with ARM processors are not compatible with Drive File Stream. An example is Microsoft Surface Pro X or the devices they use 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 “There was a problem in Drive for computers and it has stopped”.

4. Pop-ups

If you are a user of the version 41 and your account has been disabled or removed, you may repeatedly see login pop-ups.

Alternatives to Google Drive for Computers

Do you need help implementing File Stream?

If you want to implant Drive File Stream and you need help to do it, you can contact contact us since, like Google Premier Partner We can help you and guide you throughout the process.

What does Google have prepared for your company?

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