Fix: Google Drive Unable to Connect

Google Drive is a Backup and Synchronization service provided by Google that was launched in April of 2012. It provides users with the options to store, synchronize and share their files by uploading them to its servers. The files stay on these servers until they are personally deleted by the user and can be accessed from anywhere using the Google Account which was used to upload them in the first place.

Google Drive Unable to Connect

However, quite recently, a lot of reports have been coming in of users who are unable to connect to Google Drive. Sometimes, the issue is seen in the middle of the uploading process and sometimes it is seen after the app launches. In this article, we will guide you with viable solutions to fix this problem and we will also inform you about the reasons due to which it is triggered.

What Prevents Google Drive From Connecting?

According to our reports, there are a number of reasons due to which the problem might arise. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Improper Launch: It is possible that the Application wasn’t launched properly or the internet got disconnected during the launch process. Certain elements of the application might not work properly if the launching process wasn’t completed properly.
  • Firewall: In some cases, the Windows Firewall might block certain applications from making contact with the internet. Google Drive might be one of these applications and the firewall might be blocking it from connecting to its servers due to which this error is triggered.
  • Anti-Virus Software: Sometimes, the Antivirus software installed on the computer might be blocking Google Drive from making connecting with its database. Third party Antivirus software often encounters false alarms due to which they end up blocking applications who aren’t harmful to the computer.
  • Account Error: The user account which you are using on the computer might be preventing Google Drive from connecting to the internet due to certain configuration errors.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the problem, we will move on towards the solutions. Make sure to implement these in the specific order in which they are presented to avoid any conflicts.

Solution 1: Allowing through Firewall

It is possible that the Windows Firewall might be blocking Google Drive from making contact with its database. Therefore, in this step, we will be allowing Google Drive through the Firewall. For that:

  1. Press the “Windows” + “S” Keys simultaneously and type in “Firewall
    Typing in “Firewall” and selecting the First option from the list
  2. Click on the first option and then click on the “Allow an app or feature through Firewall” option.
    Clicking on the “Allow an App or feature” through firewall option
  3. Click on the “Change Settings” option.
    Clicking on the “Change Settings” option
  4. Scroll down the list and make sure to check both “Public” and “Private” option for “Google Drive“.
    Allowing Google Drive through both public and private networks
  5. Click on the apply option and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 2: Relaunching Google Drive

It is possible that the Google Drive application didn’t launch properly, due to which it is facing issues while connecting to its servers. Therefore, in this step, we will be relaunching the application after closing it completely. For that:

  1. PressCtrl” + “Alt” + “Del” and select “Task Manager” from the list.
  2. Click on the “Processes” tab and then click on the “View” option on the top.
    Opening Task Manager and clicking on “view”
  3. Uncheck the “Group by Type” option and click on the “Google Drive Sync” option which has the “blue” drive symbol before it.
    Unchecking the “Group by Type” option
  4. Click on “End Task” and click on the “Google Drive Sync” with the “White” drive symbol before it.
    Selecting the “Google Drop Sync” option with the white symbol before it
  5. Again, click on “End Task” and close the task manager.
  6. Open Google Drive again and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Checking Antivirus Software

If you have a third party Antivirus software installed on your computer then it is recommended to disable it or add an exception for Google Drive and check to see if the issue persists. Often, as a false alarm third party Antivirus software block Google Drive from making contact with its servers due to which the error is triggered.

Solution 4: Creating a New Account

Sometimes, a certain configuration for the user account might be blocking certain elements of the Google Drive application. Therefore, in this step, we will be creating a new account. For that:

  1. Click on the “Start Menu” button and select the “Settings” icon.
  2. Inside the settings, click on the “Accounts” button.
    Selecting “Accounts” from settings
  3. Select the “Family & Other People” from the left pane and click on “Add someone Else to this PC“.
    Clicking on “Family & Other people” and selecting “Add someone else to this PC”
  4. Click on the “I don’t have this person’s sign in information” option and select the “Add a user without a Microsoft Account” setting.
    Clicking on the “Add without Microsoft account” option
  5. Enter the credentials for the account you want to create and click on “Next“.
  6. Once the account is created, click on the account and select the “Change account type” Option.
    Clicking on the “Change Account Type” option.
  7. Click on the dropdown and select “Administrator” from the options.
    Selecting “Administrator” from the list
  8. Click on “OK” and sign out of the current account.
  9. Sign in to the new accountrun the application and check to see if the issue persists.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.