To add Google Drive to Windows File Explorer, you’ll use the free Google Drive app. This app integrates your cloud files with your local PC, allowing you to upload new files, download existing ones, and enable and disable file syncing.

• Link Google Drive to Windows File Explorer

To start the integration, first, launch a web browser on your PC and open the Google drive download page. There, click “Download Drive for Desktop” to download the app to your computer.

When your file is downloaded, double-click it to run the installer. In the “User Account Control” prompt that opens, choose “Yes.”

You’re now on Drive’s installation wizard. Here, on the “Install Google Drive?” page, choose if you’d like to add Drive and Google’s online office suite shortcuts to your desktop.

Then click “Install.”

When the app is installed, you’ll see a “Sign in to Google Drive” window. Here, click “Sign in With Browser.”

Your PC’s default web browser will open taking you to the Google site. Here, Google will ask if you’d like to allow your newly installed app to access your Drive files. Enable this permission by clicking “Sign In.”

Google will display a message saying you’ve successfully signed in to your Google account in the Drive app. Close the browser window as you don’t need it anymore.

And that’s it. Google Drive has now been added to your File Explorer. Access it by opening the File Explorer utility using the Windows+E keyboard shortcut.

In File Explorer’s left sidebar, you’ll see a new item called “Google Drive.” Click it to access your cloud files in your familiar file manager app.