The Google Drive for Desktop is a replacement for Google Backup & Sync app. Starting July 2021, TTSD staff will switch over to this new application to sync their selected data to Google for backup purposes.
Important: Google Drive for Desktop is a syncing solution. It will try to keep your selected computer folders in sync with Google Drive. If you delete a file on your computer, it will be deleted from the backup immediately as well.
The installation is a 2-Parts process.
Part 1: Open Google Drive for Desktop app
macOS
Windows
- Locate Google Drive for Desktop in your Applications folder
- Once installed, click Sign in with browser (TTSD email and password)
- Google Drive for Desktop application is installed on your new Windows PC. To launch, click on the ^ icon at the bottom right corner
- Select the Google Drive for Desktop icon to launch the app
- The Sign in - Google Accounts screen will launch, please sign in with your email address and password
Part 2: selecting Files for Backup is similar for both macOS and Windows.
Part 2: Selecting Files for Backup
- Open the Google Drive for Desktop app (either from the tool bar @ the top of your screen OR in the Applications folder)
- Click the Setting gear icon and select Preferences.
- Select No thanks when the Get started with Drive for Desktop.
- Click Add folder button to start adding folders to be backed up
-
Backup the following folders (1) Documents, (2) Desktop and (3) Downloads
- You'll repeat this step THREE times
- Click each folder and click OPEN to add the folder
- After you add all the folders to be backed up, click Save
IMPORTANT: You MUST complete BOTH Parts above to actually backup your data!
If you want to make sure it's working properly, please check out this KB article
If you prefer a picture step by step, please see this Google Slideshow (coming soon...) for a visual companion to the written instructions.
NOTES:
*Browser Bookmarks & Settings
Google Drive for Desktop does NOT backup your Firefox & Google Chrome browser bookmarks. Firefox and Chrome both offer the ability to sync your bookmarks and other settings if you are signed in to the browser. This effectively serves as a backup of this information, so there is no need to back this information up via Google Backup and Sync. Signing in to Firefox or Chrome on a different computer will automatically restore your bookmarks and other settings. Visit each browsers' preference/settings screen to turn on syncing if you would like to preserve this information. Check in with your building tech if you need help with this process.