How to use Google Drive - Computer (2025)


How to use Google Drive - Computer (1)

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Google Drive helps you keep all your files together. You can upload and share your files from any device, create new files, keep them organized, edit easily, and share them with others.

If you're new to Google Drive, this article will help you get started by covering the most important and useful things you can do, from learning how to use Drive and keeping your files organized to getting tips for using it on your computer, phone, or tablet.

    Learn how to use Google Drive

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (2)

    In this section, you'll learn to:

    • Use Google Drive features
    • Use Drive for Desktop

    Use Google Drive features

    On your computer, go to drive.google.com.

    New button

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    To upload or create files or folders, you can use the “New” button.

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. At the top left, click New How to use Google Drive - Computer (4).
    3. Create or upload a file or folder.
      • To create a folder: Select New folder How to use Google Drive - Computer (5).
      • To upload a folder: Select Folder upload How to use Google Drive - Computer (6).
      • To create a file: Select the document type.
      • To upload a file: Select File upload How to use Google Drive - Computer (7).

    Home

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    In the ”Home” section of Google Drive, you can:

    • Access files and folders that you or others opened, shared, or edited, as well as those related to upcoming meetings.
    • Use the “Search bar” and “Filter chips” to find suggested files by:
      • Type
      • People
      • Modified date
      • Location in Drive

    My Drive

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (9)

    You can use "My Drive" section to find:

    • Files and folders you upload or sync.
    • Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms you create.

    Tip: You can choose “Home” or “My Drive” as your Google Drive start page. To change your start page:

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. At the top right, click Settings How to use Google Drive - Computer (10) How to use Google Drive - Computer (11) Settings.
    3. Under “Start page,” select Home or My Drive.

    Find details about your file

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    In Google Drive, you can find information about a file you uploaded or created, such as:

    • Activity
    • Sharing permissions
    • Recent changes

    To find information about a file:

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. Click a file.
    3. Select View details.

    Share your file

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (13)

    To share your files or folders with others and give them viewer, commenter, or editor access:

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. Click a file or folder.
    3. Under the Search bar, click Share How to use Google Drive - Computer (14).

    Delete your file

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    To delete your files or folders:

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. Click a file or folder.
    3. Under the Search bar, click Move to trash How to use Google Drive - Computer (16).

    Add your files to the Starred section

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (17)

    To quickly find your important files or folders, you can add them to the "Starred" section.

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. Right-click a file or folder.
    3. Select Organize How to use Google Drive - Computer (18) How to use Google Drive - Computer (19) Add to starred How to use Google Drive - Computer (20).

    Use preview for quick actions

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    To find more actions you can take on a file or folder, you can use “More actions.” You can take actions on a file or folder, such as:

    • Rename
    • Share
    • Move to
    • Download

    To find more actions:

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. Click a file or folder.
    3. Under the Search bar, click More actions How to use Google Drive - Computer (22).

    Sign out of Google Drive

    1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
    2. At the top right, click your profile picture.
      • If a photo doesn’t show, you can find the default Account image How to use Google Drive - Computer (23).
    3. Click Sign out.

    Upload, share & organize your files

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (24)

    Upload or create files

    You can upload files from your computer or create files in Google Drive.

    • Upload files and folders to Google Drive
    • Scan documents with Google Drive
    • Work with Office files
    • Create, edit, and format Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

    Share & organize files

    You can share files or folders for others to access, edit, or comment on.

    • Share files from Google Drive
    • Share folders in Google Drive
    • Make someone else the owner of a file

    To find files that other people shared with you, go to Shared with me.

    Use Drive for Desktop

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (25)

    To easily manage and share content across all your devices and the cloud, use Google Drive for desktop.

    Related resources

    • Search and find a file in Google Drive
    • Use Dark Mode in Google Drive
    • Manage your storage in Drive, Gmail and Photos

    Need more help?

    Try these next steps:

    Post to the help community Get answers from community members Contact us Tell us more and we’ll help you get there

    How to use Google Drive - Computer (26)

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    How to use Google Drive - Computer (2025)
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