Google Drive File Stream

What is it?

Google Drive File Stream is a new desktop application that allows you to quickly access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer the same way you do when using your H: Drive. With Google Drive File Stream, your files are stored on the cloud instead of your computer, and any changes you make are automatically synced with the cloud for quick, easy access anywhere you have an Internet connection. The Google Drive File Stream will appear in the same place as your H drive and, for most users, will appear in the listing with the letter G.

What are the new features for Google Drive File Stream?

With Drive File Stream, you can:

Quickly see all your Google Drive files in Finder/Explorer (including Team Drives).
Browse and organize Google Drive files without downloading all of them to your computer.
Choose which files or folders you'd like to make available offline.
Open files in common apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

How much storage do I have for my Drive files?

Oceanside School District Google Accounts have unlimited storage.

Making Files Available Offline

By default, Google Drive File Stream does not store a copy of your files on your local computer. This means that if you do not have an Internet connection, you will not be able to access these files. In order to make your files accessible offline, right-click on a file or folder and select Available Offline under the Drive File Stream menu. Please note that doing so will store a copy on your computer, using up more of your hard drive space.

Now What?

Now...nothing! Google Drive File Stream will be pushed out to all staff in September! There is nothing for you to do. But, if you just can’t wait, here’s how you can install it on your classroom desktop(s) now and/or at home:

In School Installation

First, Open Start menu on desktop

(bottom left of the screen)

2. Scroll down and click on Microsoft System Center

3. Select Software Center

4. Click on Google File Stream

5. Click on Install

6. Sign in with your Google @oceansideschools.org account name and password

7. Go to File Explorer

8. Google File Stream is now available

You will have to install this on each machine you log into.

At Home Installation

Download Google Drive File Stream for Mac or Windows. You must be logged into your Oceanside School District Google account to see this page.
Run the installation package.
Log into the portal with your Oceanside School District email address and password.
Select Allow on the required permissions prompt.

System Requirements

Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13), follow these steps.

Getting Started

Once Google Drive File Stream is installed, a folder called Google Drive will appear on the left in Finder or File Explorer. This folder will contain both your personal Google Drive and any Team Drives you are part of. The only difference between these files and any other file on your computer is that these files are not stored on your computer by default, and any changes you make to them will sync automatically with your cloud storage.

macOS known issue: If you receive an error that says, Google Drive File Stream encountered a problem and has stopped, Go to System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Allow Google Drive Files Stream.

Troubleshooting

If your Google Drive File Stream is no longer accessible, select “Drive File Stream” from the Windows Start menu.

You may be prompted to log back in using your Google/Gmail user name & password.

Click on the ˄ (up caret) in the lower right of your computer screen. You should see the Google Drive File Stream app icon.