How to Stream or Mirror Google Drive Files in Windows 11
Google Drive is a service from Google that lets you save files online. It keeps your files synced across all your devices.
Why should you change how Google Drive works?
You might want to change these settings to save space on your computer or to make sure your files are available when you are not online.
What happens when you are done?
Once you finish, your computer will either stream files from the internet or save a full copy of them directly onto your hard drive.
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, and more.
Stream files
This stores your files in the cloud. You access them through a virtual folder on your computer. This saves space on your hard drive.
Mirror files
This stores a copy of your files in the cloud AND on your computer. This lets you work on your files even without an internet connection.
Access files from a folder on your computer.
All files are automatically available offline.
How to switch between Stream and Mirror
Note: Some settings may require admin privileges if you are working on a company-managed computer.
- Open the Google Drive icon in your taskbar. You may need to click the Taskbar overflow arrow first.
- Click the Settings (gear icon) and select Preferences.
- Click Folders from Drive on the left side of the window.
- Choose either Stream files or Mirror files.
- If you choose to mirror, you must pick a folder on your computer. By default, it creates a folder at
C:\Users\username\My Drive.
You can change this location to any folder you prefer. Click Confirm location to finish.
Any changes you make in that folder will now sync automatically to the cloud.
Summary
Google Drive gives you two ways to manage your files. You can Stream them to save local storage space, or you can Mirror them to keep a full copy on your computer for offline use. You can switch between these two modes anytime through the Preferences menu inside the Google Drive application.
What is the difference between streaming and mirroring files on Google Drive?
How do I switch from streaming to mirroring files in Google Drive on Windows 11?
Can I access my Google Drive files offline when using the streaming option?
What happens to my files if I change from mirroring to streaming in Google Drive?
Is there a way to select specific files to be available offline when streaming files?
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