file-stream

Google Drive File Stream

Explore How to Use Offline File & Google Drive File Stream vs Backup and Sync

Google Drive always made it easy for users to safely store, synchronize and share data files. However, larger companies are moving to the cloud thus, the chances of data breaches, bumpy migrations, and compatibility issues are increasing also. Now, Google team has been solved these complexities and announced a new client titled as 'Drive File Stream'. It adds all files to user’s computer, but only downloads the information when the user is required to open something. Google Drive Stream is a desktop application, which allows users to quickly access all G Drive data without losing valuable drive space.It stores the data in the cloud instead of the computer, and all the done changes are automatically synced to the cloud in the presence of internet connectivity. It is just like OneDrive on Windows 8. Some powerful features of Google Drive File Stream are mentioned below:

  • Allows creating, sharing and work confidentially as a squad with Team Drives
  • Full administration of sensitive organizational data via Google Vault for Drive
  • Migrate simply to the cloud with its latest acquisition called the AppBridge
  • Browse and manage G Drive files without downloading to the local machine
  • Views files in common apps such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
  • Access to relevant files directly with Quick Access to Google machine intelligence

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Author Recommended :

If you are existing Google Drive user & having trouble syncing your data from current Google Drive Account . then you can go for SysTools Google Drive Migrator which will help you to move your data to another Account.

How Google Drive File Stream Works ? - A Complete User Guide

Go with the steps below to install and access Google Drive Stream on Windows:

  • Is Google Drive Sync is presently installed on your system? If yes then, go to the step 2. If no then, skip the step 2 and follow the step 3.
  • Firstly, Uninstall Google Drive Sync
  • Open the Google Drive and choose "Download Drive File Stream for Windows" from Settings menu as shown below.

google-drive

  • Select the "Download for Windows" blue button

download

  • The DriveFileStream.exe is now in Download and can be utilized to install the File Stream. Now execute/open the downloaded file
  • Sign in to your Google Drive account

download

  • Allow the Drive File Stream to access the information listed
  • This process should take few minutes to execute and after that, you will have successfully installed Google Drive Stream

After Google Drive Stream installation, a drive named Google Drive File Stream will appear on the left in Finder or File Explorer. This folder will comprise both your personal Google Drive and the Team Drives that you are a part of.

  • So, you can access GDrive Stream from the Menu Bar or from the Finder window

access-drive-stream

  • Launch any of the displaying folder that you are required to open If you will open My Drive folder then, you will get a list of all the stored files in your Drive

view-drive-stream

  • If you are opening the Team Drives then, a catalog of the shared drive data by team members will appear here

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By default, the Google Drive Stream does not download a copy of files locally on the computer. This means if the user does not have internet connectivity then, they will not be capable to access these data files. File Stream lets end users work offline.

 Drive file stream offline

  • To work offline hit a right-click on the desired folder or file and choose Drive File Stream >> Available Offline

view offline

Why Google Drive File Stream is Better Than Google Drive Sync ?

Drive File Stream is the best choice for most organizations. This feature lets users stream My Drive and Team Drive information directly from the cloud, that provides:

A Comparison Chart : Google Drive File Stream vs Backup and Sync

Characteristics Backup and Sync Google Drive Stream
Use files in My Drive
Use files in Team Drives
Sync exclusive individual files in My Drive
Sync only chosen folders in My Drive
Use native apps as Microsoft Office and Photoshop
Use with users personal Google Account
Sync other folders as Documents or Desktop
Use with work or school Google Account
Use with personal Google Account

System Requirements

Google Drive File Stream Location

Users can find the Google Drive Stream Menu in various places, depending upon the computer you are using:

Conclusion

In this editorial, we have discussed that how Google Drive File Stream is different from the Backup and Sync & How Google Drive File Stream Works. The Backup and Sync works for G Suite consumers. Users who just likes to save the occasional files to Google Drive, this is probably the best option for them. While Google Drive Stream does not store data locally but files are streamed on demand via this. It allows browsing through the native file browser (Explorer on Windows and Finder on MAC OS ). GoogleDrive Stream will make the selected files and folders available offline and syncs data in the same way.