How to Search Large Files on Google Drive

Google Drive is the most popular cloud storage service available as it is free to use and offers 15 GB upfront without any additional or hidden costs. If you’re a person who uploads and backs up everything, you might have a cluttered Drive. Google Drive offers various methods to sort files and documents using different filters.

With a huge number of files uploaded to your cloud storage, it becomes difficult to look for the large ones that need to be deleted to get that space back. Well, you can try different methods to make it happen. We tried and listed all those ways you can do it and make any changes with these files as they need to be.

Here is all you need to know on how to search large files in Google Drive.

Table of Contents

How to Search Large Files on Google Drive?

If you want to find the most extensive files in your Google Drive, the process to do that is very simple. Refer to the details given below to do that.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Once logged in, click on the Storage tab on the side menu.

The space will organize the files they take up on the Drive.
You can click the arrow beside the storage used to sign on the right side to arrange the items in an ascending or descending order.

This is it. That is all you are expected to do and you can get the list of all the large files in an order which will also keep your files organized.

Read How to Make Files Public on Google Drive

How to Check the Details of a File/Folder on Google Drive?

You can check the details of a particular file or folder and its system properties which describe the file’s name, date added, type, etc. Furthermore, use the steps given below to see how to do that.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Once you’re logged in, click on the file whose details you want to gather and bring out the contextual menu by right-clicking on it.
Select Details from the menu.

How To Search Large Files on Google Drive

A window will pop out from the right side, which will have all the details pertaining to the file, such as who has access, type, location, owner, and the dates at which it was modified, created, and last opened.

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Where Are The Recent Files Stored on Google Drive?

There is a dedicated tab for the recent files or folders opened by you on Google Drive. Use the steps provided to see how to do that.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Once you’re logged in, click on the Recent tab on the side menu.

This will open up a new window where all the files recently edited or opened by you will show up. You can switch between a grid or list view; however, you cannot sort the files according to criteria as there are no filters available in this section.

Read How to Transfer Files from Google Drive to iCloud

How to Generate a Public Link for Large Files on Google Drive?

You can generate public links for a file, document, or folder that can be used by anyone who has the link. This method is useful when sharing files with someone who does not have a Google Account, as the link will work for everybody.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Select the file you want and draw out the contextual menu by right-clicking on it.
Click on the Get link option from the menu.
A new dialog box will open up where you will see a button labeled Restricted by default. Click on it and choose Anyone with the link.
Wait a few seconds till the permissions are updated, and copy the link.

You can also change the access level of people who use this link by switching between commenter, viewer, or editor modes.

Read How To Sort Files in Google Drive

How to Perform an Advanced Search on Google Drive?

If you’re looking for a specific item and can’t seem to find it by traditional means, you can use the advanced search option in Drive to narrow down your choices. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Once you’re logged in, click on the search bar at the top of the window and select Advanced search.

The search bar will extend downwards and display a lot of options such as the folder’s type, owner, name, what words it has in it, location, date modified, and a lot more.
After you’re done adjusting the parameters to your liking, click on Search.

Read How to Copy and Paste Files in Google Drive

Can I Create Shortcuts on My Google Drive?

You can create shortcuts for any file on your Drive and also for files shared with you. They act as pointers for folders or files placed in other locations. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that.

Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser.
Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
Enter your credentials to access the Drive.
Once you’re logged in, choose the file you want and bring out the contextual menu by right-clicking on it.
Click on Add shortcut to Drive.
You can then select the location where you want to place the shortcut in the Drive and hit Add shortcut.

Conclusion

As you can see, searching for large files on Google Drive is a very easy task. We hope this article helped figure out the various features related to Google Drive and how they should be used.

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Shirley

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