Google Drive is a service that allows us to store files on the internet and access them on our devices. It works a few different ways.


  1. Drive File Stream - This is the primary way you should use Google Drive if you have a Windows computer. Drive File Stream is a program that runs in the background and synchronizes the files stored on Google Drive with your computer. This works like our former I drive, Z drive, and other file storage software like OneDrive and Dropbox. You can view and edit files through the Windows File Explorer. You can click the start button in the bottom left corner and then click "This PC" and navigate to the G drive. Most Hampton Park computers also have a link to Google Drive in the start menu. You may also use the keyboard shortcut Win + E to start the File Explorer.
    You may save, open, edit, rename, copy, move, or delete these files just as you would any other files on your computer and in the same way you may have previously used the I drive, Z drive, or My Documents folder. There are two sections in Google Drive. My Drive are files that only your have access to. This is like your former I drive. Shared Drives are files shared with others in your department or team. This is like the former Z drive.

  2. Google Drive Website - Another option is to use your internet browser and access your files on the Google Drive website at drive.google.com. This will allow you to access files from a computer that is not your own. This website also allows advanced functions like searching, viewing file activity, restoring previous versions, viewing who has access to shared files, and more. This option has some limitations though. Because it is in the internet browser (Google Chrome) it will try to exclusively use web-based applications instead of the software installed on your desktop. This means it will want to open files in Google Docs, Slides, Lumin PDF, and other online tools. 
  3. Google Drive App for your mobile device - You may install the Google Drive app on your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or other mobile device. Functionality is more limited than Drive File Stream or the Google Drive website, but this is a great way to access your files while you are on the go. The Google Drive app integrates with Google mobile apps (Docs, Slides, Sheets) but does not play well with Microsoft mobile apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) on iOS or Android.
  4. Google Drive in the Chromebook Files app - Google Drive is the default cloud storage system for Chromebooks and is part of the Files app. Chromebook users can use the Files app or Google Drive Website to access files. Files downloaded to the Chromebook can be downloaded to Google Drive and pictures, screenshots, and files in the Downloads folder can be moved to Google Drive in the Files app.