How do I get Google Drive for my Desktop?

In October of 2021, Google removed Backup & Sync as an available tool and replaced it with Google Drive for Desktop.

Google Drive for Desktop is Google's tool that you can use to see and find your files in Google Drive locally on your computer. With it you can:

• Save specific files and folders while offline
• Open files with programs installed on your computer
• See Google Drive files without using local storage on your computer
• Sync specific folders on your hard drive to your Google Drive
• For more information, click here. 

In order to download Google Drive for Desktop, please click here. 

To utilize the "sync" feature with Google Drive for Desktop, you may need to manually set this up after install. It is possible on first installation you may not get prompted to sync local folders. To set up sync of local folders on your computer to your Google Drive:

1. Click the Google Drive icon (after installation of Google Drive for Desktop)
   • On a PC, the Google Drive icon is located in the ^caret for hidden icons (lower right corner of taskbar)
   • On a Mac, the Google Drive icon is located in the toolbar across the top, same side as the time & date
2. Click the Settings Gear icon in the top right corner
3. Click Preferences
4. On the window that opens, you should see 2 options in the left hand navigation menu. 
   • On a PC you will see "My Laptop"
   • On a Mac, you will see "My MacBook"
5. Make sure either "My Laptop" or "My MacBook" is selected
6. Click Add folder icon beneath "Safely back up your files"
7. Select the first folder you want syncing to Google Drive
8. Click Select Folder
9. Click Done
10. To add more, click "Add folder" and repeat steps 7-9
11. Repeat steps 7-10 until all folders that you want to sync are set up
12. Click Save
13. Close the Google Drive window