Google Drive File Stream Not Working/Syncing on Mac & Win

Introduction: Many people are switching to cloud-based platforms for more efficient working and enhanced productivity. With this, the Google Drive file stream has emerged as a popular application for storing and managing files. But what if you face an issue- the Google Drive file stream not working? It can be frustrating for sure. But, here is the guide to help you troubleshoot the error. Before knowing why Google file stream not working, let us take a quick overview of the program.

About Google Drive File Stream!

Google Drive File Stream is a Windows and Mac program that allows users to quickly access their Google Drive files. It creates a virtual drive on the user’s computer. Thus, you can directly browse, organize, and edit files from your computer, without taking up storage space.

Additionally, it is beneficial in different ways. Such as-

• It helps save local storage space when storing large amounts of data.
• Ensures that users always work with up-to-date versions of files.
• Google Drive File Stream allows users to offline access their files.
• Integration with other Google Workspace apps such as Google Docs, etc.
• Auto-sync changes made offline, once an internet connection is back.

You might be inquisitive about why is Google file stream not working. Here are the causes.

Causes of Error “Google Drive File Stream Not Syncing”

This error message is a broad indication of a hindrance in the proper functioning of the Google Drive File Stream. However, there are no specific details about the nature of the issue. But, this encompasses a range of problems that users may come across. Possibly, you can lose access to files, data loss or corruption, etc.

The following section discusses the reasons causing ‘Drive File Stream not working’:

• Unstable Network Connectivity
• Insufficient storage space on the drive
• Improper installation of Google Drive File Stream
• Files sync errors between system and Google Drive
• Google Drive File Stream Performance Issues
• Other Google Cloud Service’s interference
• Authentication or Authorization Problems
• Incompatibility with certain OS, Hardware, or Software

Apart from this, there can be many such reasons. But how can we fix the error of Google File Stream Not Syncing? So, let us explore different ways to get it fixed.

Solutions to Fix Google Drive File Stream Not Working Issue

Firstly, we will discuss some of the manual procedures to resolve the error. However, sometimes the cause of the error is so minor that we don’t require any procedure to fix it. Therefore, these are common troubleshooting measures one should do:

1. Restart your PC and try relaunching the Google Drive File Stream. Check if the problem resolves itself.
2. Ensure proper internet connectivity. Or try accessing Google Drive File Stream from a different network or system.
3. Verify if the system meets the minimum system requirements for running Google Drive File Stream.
4. Update your Operating System to the latest version required to run the application.
5. Additionally, check if there is sufficient storage space in Google Drive.

If the Google File Stream not working issue persists, do as directed below.

Disable Firewall and Antivirus Programs

Firewall and Antivirus disruption can sometimes cause the ‘Google Drive file stream not working’ issue. So, you can try to resolve the error by temporarily disabling these programs. Follow the given steps!

On Windows System

1. In the Windows search box, enter ‘firewall’.
2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall from the search results.
3. Locate and click on the ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off’ option.
4. You will find separate settings for Private and Public networks. Disable the Windows Firewall for both network types.
5. Finally, click on OK to save the changes in settings.

On Mac System

1. Click on the Apple icon on the screen. A dropdown menu opens.
2. Go to System Preferences from the given list.
3. Now, select Security & Privacy.
4. Further, run Google Drive File Stream on your Mac.
5. Lastly, at the bottom of the screen, click on the Allow tab.

Is the Drive File Stream not working issue resolved? Not yet? Try another solution.

Reinstall and Run the Updated Google Drive File Stream

In this process to fix the Drive file stream not working, you need to reinstall Google Drive File Stream. Follow these steps:

1. Sign out of the application. Close it.
2. Uninstall Drive File Stream from your computer.
3. Download and install the latest version of Google Drive for desktop.

After successfully reinstalling, you will see the updated Google Drive File Stream dashboard. These steps can resolve any issues with Google Drive File Stream and ensure its smooth functioning.

Manage Google Cloud Services

Are you using Google Drive File Stream and Google Backup & Sync simultaneously? If yes, then this can cause the ‘Google Drive file stream taking up space’ error. Therefore, you need to disable the Google Backup & Sync, if running. Unintentionally, these apps can hinder the functioning of each other.

You can disable Google Backup & Sync through Task Manager. Follow the steps below:

1. Exit properly, and close the Google Drive File Stream app.
2. Then, exit from Google Backup and Sync. Further, we need to end the task from the task manager.
3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open task manager on Windows.
4. Locate and choose the Google Backup and Sync in the list.
5. Click on the End Task button.

Once you have ended the Google Backup & Sync process, start the Google Drive File Stream. Here, check if the Google Drive File Stream taking up space issue is resolved or not.

If all of the methods mentioned above fail to resolve the error, switch to the robust approach. Better you backup and save all data from being corrupt. This method involves using a professional tool.

Best Professional Tool to Backup Google Drive Data

If you are unable to fix the ‘Google Drive File Stream not working’ issue, try this alternate solution. Use SysInfo Google Workspace Backup Tool to backup Google Drive data locally. You can export all G Suite data to various file formats with ease. Further, you can save the resultant file, either locally or to an external drive. It is a 100% authentic tool to perform Google Drive data migration. Moreover, you can run this tool on the version of Windows OS. Furthermore, it provides various innovative features that give you accurate and precise results.

Follow the instructions, to backup G Suite Data to PST or any other file format:

1. Download and run the tool on your PC.
2. Choose to Backup Google Workspace All Services and click Continue.
3. Login to your G Suite account with the appropriate login credentials.
4. Tick the required Google Workspace services you want to back up.
5. Choose the destination file format to backup. Say, PST.
6. Now, apply the built-in features and filters, if needed.
7. Click on Next and then click on the Start Migration button.

Hence, these are simple steps to backup G Suite data to PST or any other file format. Additionally, you can directly Migrate G Suite to G Suite, or other email clients using this tool.

Conclusion

Was this blog fruitful? We have provided various manual procedures to resolve the Google Drive File Stream not working issue. However, in most cases, these manual processes are sufficient to fix the error. But, if you are still facing the same issue, you better backup G Suite data and save it locally. This will keep your files secure. Furthermore, using a professional tool for this process is always a wise choice.