Google Drive is a common cloud for work and educational files, especially if you collaborate with others or are part of a larger work group. However, sometimes you need to download a file to device for more immediate work or to move it more easily elsewhere.
See also: Google Drive: Instructions for recovering deleted files
To that end, Drive lets you quickly download files right from the home page. Here's how to do it, what to do if you're using your phone, and what to try if something doesn't work.
From Google Drive to PC
Step 1: Go to Google Drive and locate the file you want to download.
Step 2: Right click on it.
Step 3: Select Download from the menu that appears.
Step 4: Drive doesn't always give you the option for the location , so you may need to manually move the file from your local storage to the location you have in mind.
See also: Google Drive: Users frustrated by disappearing files
From Google Drive to smartphone
If you're using a portable device like a smartphone, downloading files here is just as simple. Let's take a look at the method for the iPhone as an example.
Step 1: Open the Drive app and find the file you want to download.
Step 2: Tap on the three-dot icon to its right and select Download.
Step 3: The file will appear in your notifications.
See also: Google Drive: 40% of files contain sensitive data
Troubleshooting downloading from Google Drive
If a file can't be downloaded, there are several things you can try to fix it:
- Clear the cache and cookies in your browser and try again.
- Check your browser security settings. Sometimes security blocks downloads and may need to be disabled for this to work.
- Check the permissions for the file. There is a Sharing in Drive that allows creators to turn off download options for a file. If it has been turned off, you will need to turn it back on, or ask the file owner to turn it on.
- If you use an ad blocker, you may need to disable it before you can successfully download files from Drive.
Source: digitaltrends
