How to Download Drive File Stream and Why You Should
If you use Google Drive to store your files in the cloud, you may have heard of Drive File Stream, a desktop app that lets you access your files without downloading them. But what exactly is Drive File Stream and why should you use it? In this article, we will explain what Drive File Stream is, how it differs from Backup and Sync, another Google Drive app, and how you can download and install it on your device. We will also show you how to use it effectively and troubleshoot some common issues that may arise.
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Drive File Stream vs. Backup and Sync
Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync are both desktop apps that allow you to sync your files between your computer and Google Drive. However, they have some key differences that you should know before choosing one over the other.
Drive File Stream is designed for business users who need to access large amounts of files in the cloud without using up their local storage space. It streams your files directly from the cloud to your computer, so you can open them with your native applications. You can also choose which files or folders you want to sync for offline access. Drive File Stream also supports real-time presence, a feature that lets you see who is editing shared Microsoft Office files at the same time as you.
Backup and Sync is designed for personal users who want to back up their photos, videos, documents, and other files to Google Drive and Google Photos. It downloads your files from the cloud to your computer, so you can access them even when you are offline. You can also choose which folders on your computer you want to sync with Google Drive. Backup and Sync does not support real-time presence.
Features of Drive File Stream
Drive File Stream has several features that make it a powerful and convenient tool for accessing your files in the cloud. Here are some of them:
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Offline access: You can choose which files or folders you want to sync for offline access. You can also open files that are not synced by streaming them from the cloud.
Selective sync: You can choose which folders or subfolders in your Google Drive you want to sync with your computer. You can also exclude certain file types from syncing.
Real-time presence: You can see who is editing shared Microsoft Office files at the same time as you. You can also lock files to prevent others from making changes while you are working on them.
Version history: You can view and restore previous versions of your files, as well as see who made changes and when.
Quick access: You can access your files from your computer's file explorer or finder, as well as from the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar. You can also search for your files using the Spotlight feature on Mac or the Windows Search feature on Windows.
Bandwidth control: You can adjust the amount of bandwidth that Drive File Stream uses to sync your files. You can also pause syncing temporarily when you need more bandwidth or want to save data usage.
System Requirements for Drive File Stream
To use Drive File Stream, you need to meet the following system requirements:
Operating system
Minimum requirement
Windows
Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
Mac
El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13) or newer, follow these steps to allow installation.
You also need a Google Workspace account with Drive File Stream enabled by your administrator. If you are not sure whether you have a Google Workspace account or whether Drive File Stream is enabled, contact your administrator or IT support.
How to Install Drive File Stream on Your Device
You can install Drive File Stream on your device either manually or automatically, depending on your preference and your administrator's settings. Here are the steps for both methods:
Manual Installation
To install Drive File Stream manually, follow these steps:
Go to and download the Drive File Stream installer for your operating system.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After the installation is finished, you will see the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar. Click on it and sign in with your Google Workspace account.
You will see a new drive called Google Drive in your file explorer or finder. This is where you can access your files in Drive File Stream.
Automatic Installation
If your administrator has configured Drive File Stream to be installed automatically on your device, you don't need to do anything. The app will be installed silently in the background and you will see the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar. You may need to restart your device for the installation to take effect.
How to Use Drive File Stream on Your Device
Once you have installed Drive File Stream on your device, you can start using it to access and manage your files in the cloud. Here are some of the things you can do with Drive File Stream:
Syncing Files with Drive File Stream
To sync your files between your device and the cloud, you can use the following options:
Stream files on demand: This is the default option that lets you stream your files from the cloud without downloading them. You can open them with your native applications and they will be saved back to the cloud automatically. You will see a cloud icon next to these files in your file explorer or finder.
Sync files for offline access: This option lets you sync specific files or folders for offline access. You can open them even when you are not connected to the internet and they will be synced back to the cloud when you are online. You will see a green check mark next to these files in your file explorer or finder.
Selective sync: This option lets you choose which folders or subfolders in your Google Drive you want to sync with your device. You can also exclude certain file types from syncing. To access this option, click on the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar, then click on More > Preferences > Settings > Sync options.
Pausing Syncing with Drive File Stream
If you want to pause syncing temporarily, you can do so by clicking on the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar, then clicking on More > Pause Syncing. This will stop syncing until you resume it again. This can be useful when you need more bandwidth or want to save data usage.
Updating Drive File Stream
To keep your Drive File Stream app up to date, you can check for updates and install them manually or automatically, depending on your preference and your administrator's settings. Here are the steps for both methods:
Manual update: To check for updates manually, click on the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar, then click on More > About. If there is an update available, you will see a message saying "An update is ready to install". Click on Install Update and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Automatic update: If your administrator has configured Drive File Stream to be updated automatically, you don't need to do anything. The app will be updated silently in the background and you will see a notification when the update is complete. You may need to restart your device for the update to take effect.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Drive File Stream
Sometimes, you may encounter some issues when using Drive File Stream, such as installation errors, sync errors, or missing files. Here are some tips on how to fix some common problems:
Installation errors: If you have trouble installing Drive File Stream, make sure you meet the system requirements and have a Google Workspace account with Drive File Stream enabled. You may also need to disable your antivirus or firewall software temporarily or whitelist the Drive File Stream app. If you still have problems, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Sync errors: If you see a sync error message or a red exclamation mark next to your files in your file explorer or finder, it means that there is a problem syncing your files between your device and the cloud. To fix this, click on the Drive File Stream icon in your system tray or menu bar, then click on More > View Sync Errors. You will see a list of files that have sync errors and the reason for the error. You can try to resolve the error by following the suggested actions, such as renaming the file, moving it to another location, or deleting it.
Missing files: If you can't find some of your files in Drive File Stream, make sure you have synced them for offline access or streamed them from the cloud. You can also check if they are in the trash folder in Google Drive or if they have been deleted by someone else who has access to them. You can try to restore them from the trash folder or from the version history.
Conclusion
Drive File Stream is a handy app that lets you access your files in Google Drive without downloading them. It has many features that make it convenient and efficient for business users who need to work with large amounts of files in the cloud. To use Drive File Stream, you need to download and install it on your device, then sign in with your Google Workspace account. You can then sync your files for offline access, stream them on demand, and manage them with ease. You can also update and troubleshoot Drive File Stream as needed.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Drive File Stream:
Can I use Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync on the same device?
No, you can't use both apps on the same device. If you have Backup and Sync installed, you need to uninstall it before installing Drive File Stream.
Can I use Drive File Stream with a personal Google account?
No, you can't use Drive File Stream with a personal Google account. You need a Google Workspace account with Drive File Stream enabled by your administrator.
Can I share files with others using Drive File Stream?
Yes, you can share files with others using Drive File Stream. You can right-click on any file or folder in your file explorer or finder and select Share with Google Drive. You can then choose who you want to share with and what permissions you want to give them.
Can I edit files offline using Drive File Stream?
Yes, you can edit files offline using Drive File Stream if you have synced them for offline access. You can open them with your native applications and they will be synced back to the cloud when you are online.
Can I access my files on the web using Drive File Stream?
Yes, you can access your files on the web using Drive File Stream. You can go to and sign in with your Google Workspace account. You will see the same files and folders that you see in Drive File Stream on your device.
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