Install Drive for Desktop

Install Drive for Desktop

Windows

Getting Drive for Desktop

Drive for Desktop (formerly known as Drive File Stream) is available directly from Google. If you are trying to get it on a CNU computer, put in a ticket with ITS to request it.  

Installing Drive for Desktop

To obtain Drive for Desktop, sign into Google Drive, and click the gear in the top right corner.  From the menu, choose "Get Drive For Desktop".

Drive for Desktop Link
Drive for Desktop Link

A page will open up in a new tab on your browser allowing you to download the installer by clicking “Download Drive for desktop”

Download Link

 

Click on the file to open it and begin the installer. Please note that if you are using a CNU-owned computer, you may need administrative permissions to install Drive for Desktop. If you do not have such permissions, use the link at the bottom of this page to contact the HelpDesk for assistance. 

First Time Setup

Drive for Desktop will not automatically start up after you install it.  You need to start it and sign in.  

Find Drive for Desktop in your start menu.

Windows11 Start Menu

 

You’ll be asked to sign in to your Google account.  Use your CNU E-mail and password.

image-20250917-143115.png

Once you’ve signed in, you will have to give Drive for Desktop permission to manage your account.  Click Allow. Once you do that, the setup is complete and your Google Drive files will be accessible through Windows Explorer.

Mac OS

Getting Drive for Desktop

Drive for Desktop is available directly from Google. If you would like it on your CNU computer, put in an IT support ticket. For a personal computer, follow these instructions.

Installing Drive for Desktop

To get the Google Drive for Desktop installer, click the gear icon in your Google Drive and choose Get Drive for Desktop

Get Drive for desktop

A page will open up in a new tab on your browser allowing you to download the installer by clicking “Download Drive for desktop”

Download Link

Open the file that you downloaded.

Then, double-click on GoogleDrive.pkg.

GoogleDrive.pkg

The installer will start. Click Continue when asked, then install.

You will be asked for your computer’s administrative password during the process.

Remember, if you’re using a CNU-owned computer, you should put in a support ticket to get Google Drive installed.

First Time Setup

Once the installation completes, launch the Google Drive app from the Applications folder or Launchpad.

Launch Drive

After a screen introducing Google Drive, you’ll be asked to sign in or create an account, click Sign in.

Sign in

When you do, you’ll either be asked to choose a signed-in Google account or sign in to a new one. In either case, select or enter your CNU e-mail address.

You’ll get a warning asking you to make sure you downloaded the app from Google. If you followed the instructions in this article, you have, so you can click Sign in.

Downloaded from Google

 

Drive for Desktop will then be installed and you’ll be able to access your files. It may take some time for all of your files to sync to your computer if you have a large number of them.