How to Add Google Drive to Windows Explorer Sidebar?

Most of the files on your computer can be accessed through Windows File Explorer. Windows offers features like Libraries, Quick Access, and file hosting services such as OneDrive, all easily accessible from the sidebar. However, if you use Google Drive, you may have noticed that it doesn’t appear in the sidebar like OneDrive does. Many users would like to access Google Drive directly from File Explorer, making it easier to move files between their computer and Google Drive storage. In this article, we’ll show you simple methods you can use to add Google Drive to Windows Explorer.

To add Google Drive to the Windows File Explorer sidebar, we’ll need to make a small change to the Windows registry. The registry manages important system settings, so it’s best to back it up before making any changes. First, you’ll want to install Google Drive on your computer and then follow the steps below. This process will display Google Drive in the sidebar of Windows File Explorer, just like OneDrive.

Important: Be sure to backup your registry before making any changes.

Install Google Drive

1. Open your browser and visit the Google Drive Download page. Download and install Google Drive on your computer.

   

2. After installation is complete, Backup and Sync will start automatically and prompt you to Sign In. Log in with your Google account and choose your preferred options.

   

3. You can also pause or resume the sync anytime from the system tray.

Add Google Drive to File Explorer Sidebar

1. Go to the GitHub page to download the special registry file. Download the file and run it by double-clicking on it.

   

2. After you run the file, Google Drive will appear in the sidebar of File Explorer.

Add Google Drive to Quick Access

This method allows you to pin the Google Drive shortcut from your desktop to the Quick Access area in Windows File Explorer. If you don’t need Google Drive to show up in the sidebar like OneDrive, but want easy access, this is the way to go. Make sure Google Drive is installed on your computer before you begin.

1. Right-click on the Google Drive shortcut on your desktop and select Pin to Quick Access from the menu.

   

2. If you want to remove it later, just right-click on Google Drive in Quick Access and select Unpin from Quick Access.

   

Add Google Drive as a Library

Another option for adding Google Drive to Windows File Explorer is to create a new library for it. This is a lot like making a special folder or using the pin tool, but it appears in the Libraries section. You can create multiple libraries and rename them to whatever you like. Be sure Google Drive is installed before trying this.

1. Right-click on the Google Drive shortcut on your desktop, choose Include in library, and then select Create new library.

   

2. This will create a Google Drive library in Windows File Explorer. You can use this library to open your Google Drive files anytime.

   

3. If you want to delete the library, just right-click on it and select Delete.