Mirror files in Drive for desktop to save a full copy of My Drive on your computer. Select Preferences then Folders from Drive then Mirror files. Streaming stores files mainly in the cloud. Mirroring saves a local copy that works offline. Google calls this syncing and gives no backup schedule. Steps follow the official page and were not tested here.
People search for a Google Drive backup when they want a copy of My Drive on their own computer. Google offers this through Drive for desktop and two syncing options called stream and mirror.
Facts follow Google Drive Help Stream and mirror files with Drive for desktop. Google aims it at people who want to decide how My Drive files are stored on a computer.
What is the Difference Between Stream and Mirror?
- Stream files. Files live mainly in the cloud and need a reliable internet connection. They use little local space and still count toward your Google storage when you own them.
- Mirror files. Full copy stays on your computer and in the cloud so files work offline. Mirroring uses local disk space and does not affect your Google storage limit.
How to Mirror My Drive Files to Your Computer?
- Open Drive for desktop.
- Click Settings and click Preferences.
- Click Folders from Drive on the left.
- Select Mirror files under My Drive syncing options.
- Close Drive for desktop.
Google states that files with differing versions stay in both versions when you switch to mirroring.
How to Switch Back to Streaming?
- Confirm in the app that local files finished syncing.
- Go to Settings, Preferences and Folders from Drive.
- Select Stream files under My Drive syncing options.
- Close Drive for desktop and delete the mirrored folder.
On Windows, quit Drive for desktop before you remove a previously mirrored folder. Make sure files finished syncing before you delete or move folders to avoid data loss.
What are the Limits of Stream and Mirror?
- Shared drives, other computers and backed up USB devices can only be streamed.
- Local folders and your desktop can only be mirrored.
- Streaming needs the app to be active before you open files.
- Some apps that rely on certain APIs are hard to use with streamed files.
- Mirroring suits heavy writing, video editing and high resolution photo editing.
What does Google Not Say?
- Steps for a backup schedule or a versioned backup.
- My Computer menu steps for local folders on this page.
- Protection against deleted files in the cloud, since mirrored changes sync both ways.
- Steps for Drive on a phone.
Related reading: how to recover Google Drive data and how to clone a Google Drive folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mirror Files do in Drive for Desktop?
Mirror files saves a full copy of My Drive on your computer and in the cloud. Files work offline.
Does Mirroring Use Google Storage?
No. Google states that mirrored files do not affect your Google storage limit. Streamed files you own still count.
How do I Mirror My Drive Files?
Open the app and select Settings then Preferences. Select Folders from Drive and choose Mirror files.
Can I Stream a Local Folder?
No. Google states that local folders and your desktop can only be mirrored.
Does Google Describe a Backup Schedule Here?
No. Google explains syncing options and gives no schedule or version history.
Key Takeaways
- Mirror files saves a full My Drive copy on your computer.
- Streaming stores files mainly in the cloud.
- Mirrored files do not count against your Google storage limit.
- Local folders and your desktop can only be mirrored.
- Google gives no backup schedule on this page.
Sources and References
Facts follow Google Drive Help.
- Stream and mirror files with Drive for desktop (Google Drive Help) support.google.com