How many of you have heard about Google Drive? Let’s learn about Google Drive File Stream. As per a study, more than 70% of smartphone users use Google Android as their Mobile Operating system. And Android asks you to have Google Account to work and give most of Android Ecosystem.
If you have not done, read this post to know what the first steps are to be followed once you buy an Android Phone.
What is Google Drive?
Earlier in a post titled Cloud Storage: Introduction, we have mentioned few things about how things work and what is Google Drive.
Google Drive is personal cloud storage service from Google. Google Drive was first launched on April 24, 2012. Since then, it has been evolving and getting updates and new features continuously. Some of the key features of Google Drive are synchronization across devices and web interface where we can upload files, create, and store files from email and many other applications.
For most ordinary understanding, most of the Application on your Android phone back-up their data to your Google Drive, so they can synchronize when needed. For example, WhatsApp chat backups are stored in your Google Drive and lets you restore in case you buy new phone or formatted and want to restore that data.
What is Google Drive Backup & Sync?
Google Drive has its own app for Desktops. This is called Google Drive Backup & Sync. Once you install Backup & Sync, Google Drive will ask you to choose Folders you want to Sync and once configured correctly, it will Sync your files across devices. This is targeted for normal users (Google users with Individual accounts).
What is Google Drive File Stream?
Google File Stream for Drive is app targeted for Google Workspace users (company users). Google calls it Drive for Desktop for Teams.
Features of Google Drive File Stream
File Stream for Drive allows you to work on Google Drive files exactly like the way you do on your local files.
- Native File Explorer experience
- Copy/paste between Google Drive files and Local machine files.
- Open Drive files in Desktop applications (Word/Excel) and synchronize them as you work.
- Get notified when other persons are also working on same document and either it is safe to edit or not.
How to download Google File Stream?
You can visit above mentioned link to download Google File Stream. Below is direct download link for Windows.
How to Install & Configure File Stream for Drive in Windows?
Below are the step-by-Step images for Installing File Stream.
Step 1: Installing the executable.
Step 2: Sign-in with your Google Account
Step 3: You are ready to use.
You will see a confirmation like in below image and next, there will be an additional Drive (name Google Drive (G:)) in Windows Explorer, and you can perform all operation you want to just like between C Drive or D drive.
Will Google Drive File Stream work for Individual users also?
However, Google Drive File Stream is intended for Teams users, but it can work perfectly for individual users as well. If you have files in Google Drive or use Gmail as primary email, you may find this application helpful.
Please let us know after installing this application and if you find any difficulty in installation process.
