Understand streaming and mirroring in Google Drive
In this article
In this article group
- Get started with Google Drive for desktop
- Google Drive is not syncing on your computer
- Use Google Drive files without an internet connection
- Google Drive says your storage is full
- Google Drive says you need access to a file
- Find or restore a missing Google Drive file
- Google Drive or a document will not open in your browser
- Report unwanted shared files in Google Drive
- Send Google Drive diagnostic logs to 2Fifteen Tech
Drive for desktop can stream or mirror My Drive. Both options sync changes with Google Drive, but they use your computer's storage differently.
Streaming
Files stay primarily in Google Drive. Your computer downloads files as needed and keeps local data for files you use. Choose specific files for offline access before you need them without internet.
Mirroring
My Drive keeps a full local copy as well as the cloud copy. This uses more computer storage and makes those files available offline.
Shared drives: These use streaming. You can still make selected files available offline.
Check your setting
- Open Google Drive for desktop.
- Click Settings > Preferences.
- Find the My Drive syncing options under Google Drive or Folders from Drive, depending on your app version.
Before changing modes
Contact 2Fifteen Tech if you want to switch. All recent changes need to finish syncing first. Keep the existing local folder until we confirm the transition is complete.
Important: Syncing does not make deletion local-only. Deleting synced work can affect the cloud copy too. Contact 2Fifteen Tech support if your goal is to free computer space.