Google Drive File Stream is a new tool from Google. This tool allows you to gain access to your Google Drive files using Windows Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

With Google Drive File Stream, you stream your Drive files directly from the cloud to your Mac or PC, freeing up disk space and network bandwidth. Because Drive files are stored in the cloud, any changes you or your collaborators make are automatically updated everywhere. You’ll always have the latest version. You can also make Drive files available for offline access. These offline files sync back to the cloud when you’re online, so the latest version is available on all your devices.

For a short video on how this looks and works:

Windows machines:

Macs

System Requirements:

• Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
• Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. .

To install 

Go to this Google page and download the appropriate version for your machine. You must complete the Log in steps below to connect Google Drive File Stream with your NetID@nd.edu account. 

During the install you will go through a few steps. Below are some tips to help with your install.

1. When prompted to Log In (which may take several seconds), enter your NetID@nd.edu and leave the password field blank. You will be directed to Notre Dame's Central Authentication Screen where you will enter your NetID and password
2. Click Allow for what Google Drive File Stream needs access
3. If you are not prompted for a login, find the Google Drive File Stream icon and click to complete the setup. For Windows machines, the icon is in your System Tray in the bottom right. You may need to click the up arrow to find it. For Macs, the icon is in your Menu bar

Icon for Google File Stream  

To uninstall

After you uninstall Google File Stream, you can still find your files at google.nd.edu. Please make sure you complete the step where you Quit the Google File Stream tool in step 2.

Mac

1. Click the Google File Stream icon located in your menu bar and verify that all your files have sync'ed/changes updated before proceeding to step 2
2. Click the gear icon >  Quit
3. Open Finder and click Applications
4. Drag the Google File Stream app into the Trash
5. Clear cached Drive File Stream files. Go to this path ~/Library/Application Support/Google and delete the DriveFS folder
   1. The Library folder may be hidden To find it:
      1. Open Finder
      2. In the menus at the top of your screen, click Go > Library
6. Restart your machine

   
Windows

1. Click the Google File Stream icon located in your system tray and verify that all your files have sync'ed/changes updated before proceeding to step 2
2. Click the gear icon  > Quit
3. Click the Start button and select Control Panel
4. Click Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program (on Windows 10 machines, search for "Programs and Features")
5. Choose Google File Stream and Uninstall
6. Clear cached Drive File Stream files. Go to this path C:\Users\<NetID>\AppData\Local\Google and delete the DriveFS folder
7. After the uninstall is complete, restart your machine