Drive File Stream is the recommended Google Drive client for faculty and staff on university computers. It is the business-oriented Drive client which provides full access to all files in your 'My Drive' and 'Shared Drives' from your Mac.
When you install the Microsoft OneDrive sync app for Mac, a copy of your OneDrive is downloaded to your Mac and put in the OneDrive folder. This folder is kept in sync with OneDrive. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder on the OneDrive website, the file or folder is added, changed, or deleted in your OneDrive folder and vice versa. Under #3, Select the Mac drop down menu. Select Download Now. Once downloaded, select downloaded file and close out of browser. Double click on File Stream package. Click continue, and install. Enter your mac password. Once install is complete, close out. Select Go in top menu bar.
Installing Google Drive File Stream
Open the Self Service app found in your /Applications
folder. In the 'Communication and Web' category, find 'Google Drive File Stream' then click 'Install.'
Google Drive File Stream and macOS Big Sur
Macs running macOS Big Sur require additional steps to use Google Drive.
The first time you open Google Drive, you may see three notifications about a System Extension.
Click Open System Preferences. The System Preferences app opens to Security & Privacy settings.
Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that lets you stream My Drive and Shared drives files directly from the cloud. Frees up disk space and network bandwidth. Decreases sync time. Minimizes the amount of company data stored on users' hard drives. With Drive File Stream, you can open and edit most document types directly out of Drive File Stream without having to download the file onto your computer. If you've been using a previous file system, it will be automatically updated when you upgrade to Mac OS Mojave. Files On-Demand settings are unique to each device, so make sure you turn it on for each device where you want to use it. To learn how an admin can turn on Files On-Demand, see Configure Files On-Demand for Mac (IT administrators). It APPEARS that my installation of the Google Drive File Stream package worked, BUT I can't get it to work with the new OS (Mojave). I get this same message every time I try to start, and every time the system reboots: System Extension Blocked. The system extension required for running Google Drive File Stream could not be loaded.
Click the Allow button beside 'System software from developer 'Google, Inc.' has been updated.' Mediban paint pro.
Note: You do not need to unlock System Preferences to complete this step.
You will be prompted to restart your Mac. Click Restart to complete the installation.
Google Drive will not function until you've restarted your Mac.
Accessing Files
Google Drive File Stream will automatically open when you log in to your Mac. You can also launch the 'Google Drive' app found in your /Applications
folder. When running, you'll see the Google Drive logo in your menu bar.
'Google Drive' appears in your Finder sidebar under 'Devices.' Click the 'Google Drive' device to access your files.
'My Drive' and 'Shared drives' are both available via Google Drive File Stream. If you aren't a member of any Shared drives, you won't be able to select the 'Shared drives' folder.
Drive File Stream is fully integrated with Finder. Files stored in Google Drive will display previews and useful metadata, just like any other file on your Mac.
Google File Types
Google file types, such as .gdoc
, .gsheet
, and .gslide
, can't be opened with an app on your Mac. When you click these files your default web browser will open to the Google Drive web interface.
File Status
Files with a 'cloud' icon are available only while connected to the Internet.
Files with a 'timer' icon are currently being streamed to your Mac.
Install Google Drive File Stream On Mac
Files with no status icon are available offline.
Uninstall Google Drive File Stream On Mac
Making Files Available Offline
Right click (or hold Control and click) the file or folder you'd like to make available offline. Hover over the 'Drive File Stream' contextual menu item, then click 'Available offline.'
Files made available offline will always be accessible, even when you don't have an Internet connection.