Google Drive is a consumer-first platform that offers cloud storage solutions for both individuals and enterprises. With numerous features, an easy user interface, and exceptional compatibility with other Google products, it’s certainly a great platform to keep your files safe and secure.
Almost every android user knows about Google Drive but very few know that it can be downloaded and installed on a computer operating with Windows 10 as well. The desktop client of this cloud storage solution helps you sync and upload files to your Google Drive account automatically.
With that said, let’s take a look at the stepwise procedure to install Google Drive on Windows 10 and how to uninstall it as well laid out in a proper manner. Additionally, you may also find answers to several frequently asked questions as the article progresses.
How to Install Google Drive on Windows 10?
Google Drive offers an official executable file that allows you to enable backup and synchronization of the storage volumes attached to your computer for your account.
Follow the steps given below in the respective order to install Google Drive on your PC easily:
Step 1: Log off all your Google Account
First off, if you’re currently logged in with your Google Account on the web interface of any Google product, you need to log out of your account for a while. It will help to be able to proceed with the setup procedure for installing Drive on your desktop.
Step 2: Download Google Drive on your system
After successfully logging out of your account, you need to launch your preferred browser application.
Now, navigate to the web address drive.google.com by typing it in the address bar located at the top. Simply hit the enter key on your keyboard to launch the site.
When you access the landing page of Google Drive, scroll down to access the footer menu. From the various menu items available, click on the option “Drive for Mac/PC” under the “Downloads” column.
Once you access the download page, it will prompt you to choose from two available banners namely “For Individuals” and “For Teams”.
Choose the former by clicking on the download button located right below the description of the banner.
Step 3: Agree to the Terms and Conditions
If everything goes right, you’ll receive a popup window on your screen, asking you to agree with Google Drive’s Terms of Services before proceeding to download your software.
As you click on the “Agree and Download” button, the file will begin to download automatically.
Step 4: Install Google Drive on Windows 10
As soon as the software named “Installbackupandsync.exe” downloads successfully, you need to click on it to begin the installation.
If the software fails to launch, there’s a great likelihood that the file hasn’t been downloaded properly.
This process will help you to install Google Drive on Windows 10. Once it is completed, click on the “Close” option on the pop-up window to exit the installation wizard and keep progressing with the setup of this application.
Now you should be able to see a shortcut icon named “backup and Sync” on your Desktop. All you need to do is launch this application by right-clicking on it. Choose the “Run as Administrator” option that appears in the floating menu.
Step 5: Launch and Setup
Launching the application will open a new window titled “Welcome to Backup and Sync”. Click on the “Get Started” button and type your Google Drive credentials in the input fields available. Now, click on the “Next” button to proceed.
You need to set preferences for your computer by specifying desired file size, upload quality, and folders that need to be backed up. After making your required preferences, simply proceed with the “Next” button.
The installation process is now completed successfully, and Google Drive is installed properly on your Windows 10 OS. You should also see shortcuts for other Drive programs like Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides on your Desktop as well.
Read How to Backup iPhone Photos to Google Drive
How to Uninstall Google Drive on Windows 10?
If you’ve found a better alternative and no longer need Google Drive to be installed in your computer running Windows 10, then you’re at the right place.
Let’s take a look at how can you uninstall Google Drive from your computer effortlessly:
- In case the application isn’t already running in the system tray, you first need to launch it before proceeding further.
- Double-click on its shortcut icon or right-click on your taskbar and choose the “Preferences” option from the floating menu.
- This will open a new window with the preferences associated with your Google Drive account. Click on the “Disconnect Account” button located at the top-right corner to reveal a prompt where you need to select the “Yes” option.
- After a couple of seconds, your account will be disconnected successfully and your chosen folders will no longer be synchronized with your Google Drive account. Now, you need to remove the installed software from your PC as well.
- To do this, navigate to the control panel in your Windows 10 OS and choose the “Programs and Features” option from the various settings items available.
- You’ll see a list of all the available applications on your computer, from which you need to choose backup and Sync and click on Uninstall.
Once you finish all the aforementioned steps successfully, all the components of Google Drive, along with the software-generated files will be removed from your computer, and the uninstallation procedure will be successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Sign Out of Google Drive on Windows 10?
If you’re logged in through the web interface of this cloud storage platform, you need to navigate to drive.google.com through your preferred browser. Now, click on your image on the top-right corner of the screen, followed by clicking on the sign out button.
Alternatively, if you want to sign out your account on the Backup and Sync application offered by Google, you need to right-click on your taskbar. Now, choose the “Preferences” option to open a new floating window. Then you need to click on the Disconnect button and wait for a couple of minutes.
2. How Do I Change My Google Drive Account on PC?
To change your account in Google Drive on your PC, you first need to open drive.google.com in your browser. Navigate to the top-right corner of your screen, and click on your profile picture. Furthermore, you need to choose the “Add Account” option to log in with another Drive account.
If you want to change the accessed account in the Backup and Sync application, you need to launch the preferences window by right-clicking on the taskbar. Now, choose the “Preferences” option and go to settings, followed by the “Sign in to another account” option.
3. Can I Have Two Google Drives on My PC?
No, Google Drive doesn’t allow you to sync your computer with two Google Accounts at once. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re doomed in case you need to make some files on your computer through multiple Google accounts.
A feasible solution can be syncing the files one by one by logging into the accounts simultaneously on your computer. The stepwise process to log in with your Google account on your computer is stated above for convenience. You may also consider tweaking with access permissions.
4. Is There a Google Drive App for Desktop?
Yes, there is an official software offered by Google to allow using Google Drive on your Desktop. Although it doesn’t offer you an interface like the web client, you can still ensure that your files are synced and backed up on your cloud storage account successfully.
The app can be downloaded right away from drive.google.com, under the Downloads section of the footer menu. If you need help with the setup and installation of this application, you may check out the steps given above for assistance.
5. Is Google Drive for Desktop Free?
Google Drive offers both free and premium subscriptions for its cloud storage services. The former offers you 5 Gb of free storage to store your files without filling up your hard drives. It also features several premium plans that allow you to extend your storage limitation and access other features.
Talking about the desktop application, it is completely free to download and use for individuals. It’s worth mentioning that you need to have the web client configured before you can start using their backup and sync application.
You may also like following Google Drive tutorials:
- How to Unshare a Folder in Google Drive
- How to Backup WhatsApp to Google Drive
- Add Google Drive to Finder
- How To Select Multiple Files On Google Drive
- How to Clear Recent in Google Drive
Final Verdict
If you want to experience the full capabilities of Google Drive, you must install its Desktop application. It allows you to automatically synchronize and backup your preferred files and folders on your Google account.
The Google Drive application also provides two-way sync that automatically downloads the files you’ve stored in your Google account. Moreover, it syncs the files and folders you store on your computer to your Google account. However, there are still some exceptions related to the storage of documents.
Additionally, as you saw above, the installation and uninstallation process for Google Drive in Windows 10 is pretty straightforward and doesn’t include any complex guidelines. Therefore, make sure you must give it a quick try to make the most out of your Google Drive account.
Here, we cover:
- How to install google drive on windows 10
- How to uninstall google drive on windows 10
Hello, my name is Shirley. I’m a Google Drive expert and have been working with the platform since it launched. I’ve written extensively about Google Drive tips and tricks, and have created numerous tutorials on how to get the most out of the platform. I also enjoy creating tutorials to help people learn how to use Drive like pros. Read more