How to Set Up Google Drive Cloud Storage

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Google Drive allows you to share your files easily between all your devices, as well as access them from anywhere in the world on any other computer you can access.

This guide will walk you through setting up the Google Drive client software on your devices, to make it easier to get to your files from everywhere.

2. Account Check

In order to use Google Drive, you will need an account with Google.

This is the same account you use with an Android phone or tablet, or any other Google service. It is all based off a GMail account, which usually ends in @gmail.com for a personal account.

You may also use a business account, which may end in your company's domain, instead.

If you are unsure if your business account is also a Google account, contact your company's I.T. department and ask what services are available to you.

Check Your Google Account

It's easy to check if you already have a Google account your browser is already signed into.

This section is to help you check if you have a Google account. If you already know if you do or don't have an account, it is safe to skip these instructions.

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in accounts.google.com and press enter or return.
   

If Your Browser Is Already Signed Into Your Google Account

You will either be asked for a password, or shown your account information.

If Your Browser Is Not Signed Into Your Google Account

You will be asked to sign in. If you wish, you can try to sign in with a Google account you remember, or proceed below for help creating an account.

3. Type

For our next step, we need to determine what kind of device you are using.

4. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

5. Setup Client

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in google.com/drive/download, then push enter on your keyboard.
   

1. Under Personal, select Download.
   

1. You will be prompted with the Terms of Service for Google Drive. Carefully read the documents presented from the links. When you have finished reading these documents, select Agree and download.
   

1. Once the file has completed downloading, open the file.
   

1. Windows will ask if it is okay to install. Select Yes.
   

1. The Google Drive client will download and install automatically.
   

1. Once installation is complete, select Close.
   

1. A short description of what Google Drive does will be shown. Select Get Started.
   

1. Sign in with your Google account.
   

1. A message letting you know that Google Drive will back up your files in the folders you select is displayed. Select Got It.
   

1. A list of the folders Google Drive will back up is displayed. The default selections are usually ideal for most people. Select Next at the bottom.
   

1. A message letting you know that Google Drive will create a special folder that is specifically easy to access across all your devices. Select Got it.
   

1. Make sure Sync My Drive to this computer is checked. Select Start.
   

1. Google Drive will now be accessible from your System Tray in the corner of your screen, near the clock. Look for the small cloud symbol, and select it.
   

1. This will show the status of Google drive, and if it's syncing anything. Select the folder icon on the top.
   

1. This will show your Google Drive folder on your computer. Files copied here will be quickly accessible from all devices you have Google Drive setup on, such as other computers, smartphones, and tablets.
   

6. Web Access

Once you have the Google Sync client setup on your home computer, any files you place into the Google Drive folder will be accessible from any other computer with an Internet connection, provided you have your username and password.

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the Address Bar at the top, type in drive.google.com and press return or enter.
   

1. Sign in with your Google username and password.
   

1. You will see your files here, and you can open, download, work on, and upload them from the webpage.
   

1. When you are done, if the computer you are using is public; such as at work or a library, it's best to sign out. Select your user icon in the top right, and select Sign out.
   

7. Setup Client

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in google.com/drive/download, then pushreturn on your keyboard.
   

1. Under Personal, select Download.
   

1. You will be prompted with the Terms of Service for Google Drive. Carefully read the documents presented from the links. When you have finished reading these documents, select Agree and download.
   

1. Once the file has completed downloading, open the file.
   

1. The disk image will mount, this may take a few moments.
   

1. Drag Backup and Sync from Google to the Applications shortcut.
   

1. The program will copy to your Application folder.
   

1. Select Applications, then select Backup and Sync from Google.
   

1. Backup and Sync from Google will ask permission to run. Select Open.
   

1. A welcome screen will open. Select Get Started.
   

1. Sign in with your Google account.
   

1. A quick introduction screen is displayed. Select Got It.
   

1. Select the folders you'd like to backup to Google, most people will choose their Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. Once you've made your choices, select Next.
   

1. Another introduction screen is displayed. Select Got It.
   

1. Make sure Sync My Drive to this computer is selected, then select Start.
   

1. You can access Google Drive from the icon next to the clock in the top-right. You can see the status of Google Drive sync here, such as if it's updating files. Select the Folder icon.
   

1. This will show your Google Drive folder on your computer. Files copied here will be quickly accessible from all devices you have Google Drive setup on, such as other computers, smartphones, and tablets.
   

8. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

9. Setup Client

Install Google Drive

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. 
   
2. Select Search in the bottom right corner.
   

1. Type in google drive, and select Google Drive from the list.
   

1. Select Get for Google Drive.
   

Configure Google Drive

The first time you launch Google Drive, you will need to sign into your Google Account.

1. Launch Google Drive.
   

1. A welcome screen will open first. Select Sign In.
   

1. You'll be asked to use your Google account to sign in. Select Continue.
   

1. Type in your Google email address, then select Next.
   

1. Enter your Google password, then select Next.
   

1. You'll be asked if you wish to use your iOS device to authorize sign-ins to your Google account. When you sign into Google from any other device, you'll be asked to look at your phone, and authorize the sign in. This provides additional security to your Google account. Select Allow.
   

Use Google Drive

1. Launch Google Drive.
   

1. Here you will see the files you've saved on Google drive. Select a file to view or edit that item.
   

1. For further features, select the Menu in the top-left corner.
   

1. My Drive - Shows you the Quick Access to your main files, as well as all your files below. This is the default item shown.
   

1. Computers - Show the files from whichever computer you select from the list.
   

1. Shared with me - Show files shared with you on Google Drive.
   

1. Recent - Shows files that were recently added or changed.
   

1. Starred - Shows files that you have marked as important in Google Drive.
   

1. Offline - Show files you've marked to be copied to your iOS device, even if you are offline. They are automatically synced when you are online.
   

1. Trash - Show items you've recently deleted so you can retrieve them if deleting them was in error.
   

1. Notifications - Show recent changes and additions to files on Google Drive.
   

10. Setup Client

Google Drive is installed and automatically setup by default on Android phones.Verify Google Drive Is Up-To-Date

1. Launch the Play Store on your smartphone.
   

1. Select the search bar at the top.
   

1. Type in google drive, then select Google Drive from the list.
   

1. If an update is available, select Update.
   

1. Once updated, or if no update was available, select Open to open the app.
   

Using Google Drive

1. Launch Google Drive.
   

1. You will see the files you have on Google Drive here, as well as any folders you've created.
   

11. Create Account

1. Open your preferred browser and in the address bar at the top, type accounts.google.com/signup and press Enter or Return.
   

1. Enter your First and Last name. Choose a username and password and enter that as well. Once filled in, select Next.
   

1. Enter your phone number, then select Next.
   

1. You will receive a text message with a 6-digit security code. Enter it here, then select Verify.
   

1. You'll be asked for your personal information. Fill in each prompt, then select Next.
   

1. You'll be asked if you want to attach your phone number to your Google account for additional features from Google. Carefully read what is being offered, then select Skip or Yes, I'm in.
   

1. Carefully read the terms and conditions, using the scroll bar to show them all. When you have read and understood everything, select I agree to continue.
   

1. Your Google account is all setup! You'll be shown your Google Account page, with further options to customize and secure your Google account.