Having Google Drive synced to your desktop is a powerful feature that seamlessly connects your local workspace with the cloud. This means that every file you place within your Google Drive folder, or changes made to files on your computer, are automatically uploaded, secured, and backed up in your Google Drive cloud storage.
This ensures that your local files are kept safe on the cloud, protecting them from hardware failure, accidental deletion, or loss of your physical device, whilst ensuring that files are kept up-to-date automatically across all your devices.
However, if you notice that your Google Drive for Desktop is no longer syncing, here are some easy ways to fix it.
How to Fix Google Drive Files Not Syncing
If you’re encountering an issue where your files are failing to sync between your Google Drive cloud storage and your local computer, it may be due to any number of reasons, from a disconnection between the Google Drive desktop app and the cloud to incorrect folder selection settings. See below a few troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue.
First Steps
Check Your Internet Connection
As with any issue online, the first step is to check your internet connection is stable.
Reset the Synchronisation
If there are no issues with your Internet connection, we then recommend a quick reset. You can use Google Drive’s manual controls to effectively restart the synchronisation process, effectively resetting the connection between the app and the cloud. To do this, select “Pause syncing”, and after one minute, select “Resume syncing”.
Often this is enough to iron out any minor connection issues, but if you still experience issues, read on for more assistance.
Troubleshooting Steps
Hardware Issues
Restart your computer to rule out any temporary issues with your hardware. Be sure to save any open files first.
Incorrect Login
A simple fix that often gets overlooked – ensure you are logged into the correct Google account.
Full Storage
If your account has run out of storage on your Google Drive, it could impact the ability to sync with your desktop app, in addition to not being able to upload or create files in Drive, or send and receive emails in Gmail.
- To check your used storage, go to drive.google.com/settings/storage. Contact your account administrator to find out your storage limit.
- If your storage is full, try to delete larger files in the interim – however you will likely need to upgrade your Google Workspace plan for a long term fix.
- Upgrade your Google Workspace plan. This is the most effective way to ensure that you avoid service interruptions in the future, and allows you to unlock advanced features and fosters collaboration. See the breakdown of Google Workspace Plans here, or if you need help with your Google Workspace, as Google Partners, we can help you – get in touch today.
Disconnect and Reconnect Google Account
If all else fails, you can try to disconnect and reconnect your Google account in the Google Drive for Desktop app. Note that any files that have failed to sync will need to be copied to ensure they are not lost when you disconnect your account.
- Open Drive for desktop
- Click Settings > Preferences > Advanced settings
- Click Disconnect account
- Sign in again
- Choose a new location for the Google Drive folder
Reinstall Google Drive App
Uninstalling and reinstalling the latest version of the Google Drive for Desktop app may fix the issue.
As a reminder, to use Google Drive for desktop, follow these instructions:
- Install the Google Drive for desktop app
- Get started > Sign in
- Sign in to the Google Account that you want to use with Google Drive for desktop
Google Workspace Partners
Ballyhoo are a Google Workspace Partner – we can set up, manage and give you support with your Google products. If you’re interested in using Ballyhoo as your Google Reseller, or want more information, call us on 0121 295 5352 or email us at [email protected] to see how we can help.
