Backing Up Your Files with Google Drive (MacOS)
Keywords: Google Drive, Backup, Files
If you are already logged into Google Drive for desktop or the first part of this guide looks different for you, then scroll down to the second section. There is an alternate version of this guide for you.
Not Signed In
1. If you're on a macbook open the Launchpad then find and click Google Drive. If you're on windows, hit the windows key and scroll down your apps. Open Google Drive.
2. Click "Get Started".
3. Click "Sign In".
4. You should see your district email here, click it if you do. If you don’t click use another account and sign into Google.
5. Click “Next”
6. Here is where you want to select the folders you want to back up, there are some preselections already there. If you have files in other locations, click add folders to add more to the list.
7. Now it will confirm which folders you are backing up, if they are correct then click “Open Drive”
8. If you’re on Mac, there will be a drive icon at the top of your screen. If you’re on Windows it will be in the bottom right corner, if you don’t see it click the carrot. It will be in the little pop up icon menu. Left click the icon to see your files syncing, it will begin syncing the files. Once it is done it should say “Everything is up to date” and have two green check marks.
Then, you’re done! There are certain types of files that won’t upload, but they are usually small log files in your documents. Just double check to make sure they aren’t ones you want to back up.
Signed In
1. If you're already signed in things will look a little different, you want to look for the google icon across the top of your screen. If you don't see it, go into your launchpad and launch the google drive app. After a few moments it should show up.
2. Click the settings icon of the little pop up window, then preferences.
3. Now you'll want to click "Add a folder". Your window will look slightly different, but it's in the same area as shown below.
4. Now select a folder to sync to google drive, I recommend clicking Desktop, Documents or Downloads on the left side of the finder window if you have any files there. Then click "Open".
5. Make sure the settings match what is pictured here, but it should be right be default. Then click done.
6. Now repeat steps 3-5 to add any other folder locations you want to back up.
7. Once you're done selecting files, make sure to click save. Then it should start backing up your files, it may need up to an hour if you have a lot of files to save.
8. You'll know it's done once the drive icon on your toolbar stops spinning and when clicking on it you see "Your files are up to date".
