Getting Google Drive for Desktop (Sync Tool)

Google Drive for Desktop is a powerful sync tool that lets you access and manage your Google Drive files directly from your computer, without needing to use a web browser. Whether you're working from a personal device or a university-managed system, downloading and installing Google Drive for Desktop ensures seamless access to your cloud files and automatic syncing across devices. This article will show you where and how to get Google Drive for Desktop quickly and safely.

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Instructors, Researchers, Staff, Students

The Google Drive for Desktop sync tool creates a folder or drive on your computer that acts like a local folder.  This allows you to edit files using software on your computer but stores it in Google Drive cloud storage.  This is great to use if you want files like PowerPoint, Autocad, PDFs, Images, etc, to open in their native application and not in  a browser.


For computer managed by Stony Brook that restrict downloading software, you can get Google Drive for Desktop from the Kace Self Service Portal.  See General Instructions and search for the software  Google Drive. 

For your computer where you are the administrator, you can download Google Drive for Desktop by going to drive.google.com > Settings > Get Drive for Desktop
"Get Drive for desktop" appears on clicking the Settings icon

For assistance with this, contact support.

This Content Last Updated:
05/07/2025

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Customer Engagement and Support
This KB Article References:
This Information is Intended for:
Instructors, Researchers, Staff, Students
This Content Last Updated:
05/07/2025