Directions - Google Drive - Offline Access

Your Google Drive can be set up to download and synchronize with your laptop. That allows you to open and edit all your Google Docs even if you are not connected to the internet. Files will update as soon as you are connected.

Step 1

Finding your (G:) Drive

Your (G:) Drive may already be set up. You can access it by opening the icon of a manila file folder usually found by the Window App menu and search bar at the bottom of your laptop screen. You may also have a shortcut icon on your desktop for quick access.

Step 2

Opening your (G:) Drive

The left panel shows a list type menu of drives and folders.

A. Select the '>' symbol(s) at the left to expand the list of drives and folders in the menu. Your 'Google Drive (G:)' is one of the items found within the Desktop folder. Depending on how many folders above it have been expanded, your 'Google Drive (G:)' may be far down the list. Select any item to have its drives and folders shown at the right. Your display may look differently depending on the option you have selected in the 'View' menu. Double click any item to open it in a new window. For most, opening the 'Google Drive (G:)' will show 'My Drive' and 'Shared Drive'. If you open 'My Drive' the organization of folders should match that of your Online Google Drive.

Step 3

Downloading Google Drive (G:)

If you do not have access to your 'Google Drive (G:) you may need to download it. Double click this link to the file you want to download. That should open the correct folder on your desktop. You will have to select Save to start the download. You will see the download icon at the top right indicating the progress of the download. Once it is complete, open the file it downloaded and the 'Google Drive (G:)' should install itself. Directions will guide you through most of the problems and there may be some questions about adding shortcut icons to your desktop. You should see the Google Drive (G:) appear in your menu but all the files and folders in your Google Drive may take hours to download depending on how much content you have. This Google Support Site offers more detail and information on using a Google Drive offline.

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