How to Export Files from Google Drive Without Losing Data?

If you need to back up, move, or download files from Google Drive, there are several quick ways to get it done. Here I will walk you through how to export files from Google Drive, using simple, step-by-step methods.

Let’s explore:

• Why Export All Files from Google Drive?
• How to Export Step by Step
  • Method 1. Manual Download via Google Drive Web
  • Method 2. Use Google Drive for Desktop
  • Method 3. Google Takeout
  • Method 4. Google Workspace’s Native Tools
  • Method 5. Export Using Automated Tool
• Best Practices I Follow Before Exporting
• Author’s Verdict
• People Also Ask

Why Export All Files from Google Drive?

Here’s why I usually need to export files:

• Transfer G Suite to another account
• To back up important documents locally
• To create offline access during travel or poor connectivity
• Transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive

How to Export Files from Google Drive Step by Step

When I needed to export Google Drive files, I researched and found five solutions which worked for me. Here’re all of them, with step-by-step instructions which I followed: 

Method 1. Manual Download via Google Drive Web

This solution is recommended in Google’s official Drive download help article. I read this guide, and here are the steps:

1. Open drive.google.com.
2. Log in to the Google account.
3. Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac) to select everything in My Drive.
4. Click the three-dot menu > Download.
5. Google will compress all files into a .zip file and begin the download.

Method 2. Use Google Drive for Desktop to Export All Files from Google Drive

If you are using Google Drive for Desktop, then it could help to export files from Google Drive by following these steps:

1. Download Google Drive for Desktop for Windows or macOS.
2. Install and log in with your Google Account.
3. Select Preferences > Settings > Google Drive.
4. Choose Mirror Files instead of Stream.
   • Mirror: Files are stored both locally and in the cloud.
5. Google begins syncing all Drive content to your local hard drive.
6. Access the mirrored Google Drive folder on your computer.
7. Copy/move/export files directly from this local folder.

Method 3. Google Takeout

• Open myaccount.google.com.

 

• Select Data & Privacy.

• Then scroll down and see Download or Delete Your Data.

• Download your data (Google Takeout).

 

• Click Deselect All.

• Scroll and check Google Drive.

• Expand “Drive” and:
  • Choose All files/folders or select specific folders.
  • Decide file format conversions, e.g., .docx, .pdf, etc.
  • Enable advanced options like previous versions and folder metadata.
• Click Next Step.
• Choose:
  • Delivery method: Email download link, Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive.
  • Frequency: Once or every 2 months for 1 year.
  • File type: .zip or .tgz.
  • Max file size per archive: 1GB–50GB.

• Click Create Export to export all files from Google Drive.

• Wait for an email download link. Large exports may take hours/days.

Method 4. Export Files from Google Drive Via Google Workspace’s Native Tool

#Option 1. Google Data Export Tool

If you’re a Google Workspace admin, this guide from Google outlines exactly how to use the Admin Console to export user data securely:

1. Must be a super admin in your Google Workspace account.
2. Open Admin Console > Data Export.
3. Requirements:
   • < 1,000 users
   • 2FA enabled
   • Google Cloud enabled
4. Start export. Google preps data and gives you 30 days to download it.

#Option 2. Storage Transfer Service

1. Used to migrate data between storage services or to Google Cloud buckets.
2. Good for backups to third-party storage with better download tools.
3. Charges may apply for advanced transfers.

Method 5. Export All Files from Google Drive Simultaneously

While Google offers native options like Takeout and Drive for Desktop to export files from Google Drive, I’ve found that automated solutions can be more efficient and offer multiple features, including selective folder backups, version retention, and more. One such tool I’ve used and recommend is the SysTools Google Drive Backup Tool.

Why I consider this option:

• You can back up specific files, folders, or shared content.
• Export documents as EML, PST, MSG, MBOX, and other formats in just a few clicks.
• Your exported files maintain their original structure and retain metadata like timestamps and file types.
• Using its Delta Backup option, one can backup only recently arrived data.

How I Use It to Export Files from Google Drive

• Step 1. Launch the tool after installation.

• Step 2. Sign in with your Google account and authenticate access.

• Step 3. Select the file types to back up.

• Step 4. Choose a local folder to save the files.

• Step 5. Click Start to begin the backup.

Best Practices I Follow Before Exporting

• Clean up unnecessary files to reduce export time
• Rename folders for easier identification post-export
• Check shared file permissions, and make sure you have access
• Use a stable internet connection while downloading/exporting

Author’s Verdict

Exporting files from Google Drive isn’t hard, but it depends on the methods you choose. I have already tried many solutions to export files from Google Drive, and among them, which I found best I explained in this guide. All of them are tested by me, so you can opt for any without confusion.  

People Also Ask

• Is it possible to share multiple files from Google Drive at once?

Yes, you can move multiple files from one Google Drive to another account, but you must have permission to do so in every folder.

• How to assign permission while sharing any file on Google Drive?

Follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Right-click on the file that you want to share
Step 2: Click on the Share option
Step 3: Then, enter the email address with which you want to share data
Step 4: Click on the Edit icon drop-down right beside the email address field
Step 5: Choose the permission you want to grant between Can Edit, Can Comment, and Can View
Step 6: At last, click on the Done button

• How to export files from the Trash folder of Google Drive?

If you want to move files from the Trash folder directly, then it is not possible. You first need to restore all deleted items. 

• Is it possible to export files from Google Drive to multiple accounts?

Yes, you can easily transfer multiple files from one drive to another account at once. You just need to enter the email addresses of the respective accounts in the given field.

• Can I export Google Docs as Word files?

Yes. Open the document, select the File option, and then click on Download, then Microsoft Word (.docx).

• Does Google Takeout include shared files?

Only if they’re added to My Drive and you have download access.

• Is there a size limit for exporting files?

Each archive file created via Google Takeout can be up to 50GB or 2GB per .zip part. Larger exports are split.

• Can I schedule regular exports?

Yes, Google Takeout allows automatic exports every two months for up to a year.