How to Add Google Drive to Quick Access in Windows 11

This guide explains how to show or hide Google Drive in the Quick Access menu of File Explorer on Windows 11.

Google Drive is a service that saves your files to the cloud. It keeps your files in sync across all your devices.

You can change many settings within the Google Drive app. You can install and start Google Drive at login, stream Google Drive to a folder or driver letter, pause syncing, add files and photos to sync with Google Drive, stream or mirror files on Google Drive, and more.

Normally, Google Drive streams your files to a drive letter on your computer. Your files live in the cloud. You can find them in File Explorer using the drive letter assigned to the app.

There is a specific setting to add Google Drive to your Quick Access in File Explorer.

Why do this?

Adding Google Drive to Quick Access makes it faster to reach your files. Quick Access is a section in File Explorer for your most-used folders. You won’t have to click through multiple menus to find your cloud storage anymore.

What happens when done?

Once enabled, you will see a Google Drive shortcut in the sidebar of every File Explorer window. This makes moving or opening files much faster.

Steps to Add or Remove Google Drive in Quick Access

1. Open the Google Drive menu from your taskbar. Look for the Taskbar overflow icon, then click the Google Drive icon to open the flyout window.

2. Click the Settings (gear icon) at the top of the window and select Preferences.

3. On the Preferences page, click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.

4. Find the option that says “Show Google Drive in Quick Access in File Explorer”. Check the box to turn it on. To hide it later, simply uncheck the box.

You will now see your Google Drive folder listed in the Quick Access section of File Explorer.

Summary

By following these steps, you can pin your Google Drive folder to the Quick Access sidebar in Windows 11. This helps you organize your workspace and reach your cloud files with a single click. You can turn this feature on or off at any time using the Google Drive Preferences menu.