Google Drive helps you sync your files to be accessed from other devices anytime you want. However, to access these files, you must have an internet connection, which isn’t always possible. You can access these files offline as well, and I am going to show you how. This tutorial will learn how to add Google Drive in File Explorer on Windows 10 computers.

Add Google Drive in File Explorer

Once you add Google Drive to Explorer, you will be able to view, change and even delete files without opening up your browser. Follow the steps below :

Step-1: Use this link to go to the Google Drive download page from your browser.

Step-2: Scroll down, and click on Download in the Backup and Sync section For Individuals.

Step-3: Select Agree and Download.

Step-4: Once the .exe file downloads, click on it and select Open.

Step-5: Once the download finishes and the installation is complete, you will get shortcuts for Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Drive on your desktop. The Backup and Sync app will open automatically. Click on Get Started.

Step-6: Click on Sign in with your browser.

Step-7: You will be directed to your browser. Use your Google account to sign in.

Step-8: Click Allow.

Step-9: Close the window.

Step-10: Go back to the Backup, and Sync app and click GOT IT.

Step-11: Now select the folders you want to continuously backup on Google Drive. Click on Choose Folder to do that. If you want to backup photos and videos to Google Photos, check the Upload photos and videos to Google Photos.

Step-12: Click Next.

Step-13: You can choose to sync everything or select the folders you would like access to from File Explorer. Select the files accordingly and once you are done, click START.

Step-14: Open File Explorer, and you will see that the Google Drive icon has been added on the left side of the window.

Manage Google Drive on Windows 10 File Explorer

When you open the Google Drive icon from Explorer, you will see all the files that have been successfully synced. The green tick means successful syncing.If you delete a file from Google Drive (on the web), you will see a red cross instead of a green tick in File Explorer. You can restore these deleted files easily from Backup and Sync if you choose.

Deleting Google Drive Files from Explorer

If you delete files in File Explorer, you will not be removing them from Google Drive. However, if you want to have this option, you can enable it.

Step-1: Click on the Backup and Sync icon (shaped like a cloud) from the taskbar on your desktop.

Step-2: Click on the three vertical dots at the top of the Backup and Sync window.

Step-3: Select Preferences.

Step-4: In the My Laptop or My PC section, there is a drop-down menu under Google Drive. Select Always remove both copies. Press OK.

Remove Icon from Quick Access

If you don’t want to keep Google Drive in Explorer, you can easily remove it.

Open File Explorer.Right-click on the Google Drive Icon.Select Unpin from Quick Access.

[You still have the Google Drive icon on your desktop]

Hopefully, this will help you manage your files better.