Google Drive for Desktop

Owned by David Blood
Last updated: Sept 06, 2023 by David Blood
2 min read



Before You Start

As a Google Education Campus, CIT recommends using Google Drive for Desktop to store your files in Google Drive. This application allows you to quickly access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer. The instructions for doing this are below.

CIT is only able to back up the data stored in either a Google or Microsoft account that uses a Geneseo email address.

Steps

Campus Owned Devices (faculty/staff)

  1. Install the Google Drive for Desktop client for your operating system

    1. Macs: Use the CIT Self Service application to install Google Drive for Desktop

    2. Windows: Use the Software Center to install Google Drive for Desktop

  2. Once installed, open the Google Drive application and log in with your full Geneseo email address and password

  3. Move your files to your Google Drive → My Drive folder to begin syncing them

    where files are stored on macOS
    where files are stored on Windows

Personal Devices (students, faculty, and staff)

  1. Visit Google's website to download the Google Drive for Desktop installer for your operating system

  2. Sign into your Geneseo Google account, if you’re not signed in already. 

  3. Follow the instructions on that page to install the application.

  4. Move your files to your Google Drive → My Drive folder to begin syncing them

  5. To change your settings, like changing where files are found, pausing syncing, or switching accounts see the Change Drive for Desktop Settings on this page.



Tip for Remote Work

You can find your content on any phone, tablet, or computer using Google Drive.

Supported Alternatives

  • Google Backup and Sync - Google Backup and Sync will upload and store files from any folder on your computer, camera, and SD cards in the cloud.

  • Microsoft OneDrive (Windows) - OneDrive Auto Save will sync your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders as well as all files in the OneDrive - SUNY Geneseo folder on a Windows 10 machine.

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