Google Drive Sync Settings | A complete Guide-2022

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For most of us with the Google Backup and Sync application installed on the computer, a lot of our space on the drive is consumed by items you don’t need but got synced anyway. This would mean the Google Drive sync settings have not been configured properly. Not all of us can afford to buy extra space on Google Drive, and for those who already upgraded Google storage, free space on the drive is a very valuable resource.

How To Configure Google Drive sync settings To Sync Specific Folders Or File Types

Moreover, if your Google Drive is cluttered with unwanted files, it can get quite difficult to keep up with the work pace. This clutter will also contain a lot of duplicate files that result in a waste of drive space. Although you can remove these duplicates using a free duplicate file remover for the cloud, it is better to change the sync settings of the Google Drive Backup and Sync application which is now known as Google Drive for desktops beforehand and avoid all the pain.

For the past few months Backup and Sync might be prompting us to move to Drive for desktop application. Google has discontinued using the Backup and Sync application and introduced Google Drive for desktop to provide a powerful, unified and uninterrupted sync service for all the users. Just like Backup and Sync, sync our data across all our devices and the Cloud. 

Hence Google Drive provides a way to pre-define what files can be synced to and from the drive. This write-up shall briefly discuss how we can go about managing the synchronization with Google Drive using Drive for desktop applications.

How to Select Folders and Files on the Computer to Sync with Google Drive?

Google Drive for desktop applications has a lot of advantages. You can easily take an online backup of selected folders or files on your computer without your intervention.

However, you might confront problems if you don’t shape your Google Drive sync settings right away. Follow these simple steps to sync selected data on your PC to Google Drive:

  • Open Drive for desktop application (Cloud icon on bottom right corner)
google-drive-sync-icon
  • Click on three vertical dots that say “More” and choose preferences
select-preferences
  • Select Choose folder to add any folder that is not displayed on the list
Preference-Choose Folder
  • Once you have all the files or folders you want to keep syncing, click on the OK
  • Remove any unwanted files or folders to avoid extra efforts

How to Sync Specific Folders in Google Drive to Your Computer?

If you have files that you continuously want to keep updating across these multiple devices, the easiest way to do it is through Google Drive. You can also work on these files offline.

The same Google Drive for desktop applications can now be configured to make sure this sync process happens appropriately and files from the drive can keep getting synced to your computer.

  • Open Google Drive for desktop application and click on More(three vertical dots)
Google-Drive-for-desktop
  • Now select preferences and then select Google Drive on the left
select-google-drive
  • Select the option Sync My Drive to this Computer
Sync-my-drive-to-his-computer
  • Choose Sync only these folders to specify what to sync
Sync-only-these-folder
  • Now click on OK

How to Avoid Syncing Certain File Types on a Computer to Google Drive?

Google Drive for its simplicity is widely preferred by a lot of professionals from editors to accountants. Some specific applications might generate log files or program files within the specified folder, which does not require any backup or sync. Your drive can be kept clear from backing up these specific file types by following the below-mentioned procedure:

  • Run Drive for desktop application
  • Click on More(three vertical dots) and choose preferences
More-choose-preference
  • Now click on Change to the right side of the screen and select Advanced settings
Advanced-settings
  • Type in the extension of a file type that you do not wish to sync and select Add
Add-file-extentions
  • Lastly, click on OK to apply changes

How to Sync Your SD Cards and Other USB Devices to Google Drive?

When we think about cloud storage, convenience is the first thing we all look for. Google Drive for desktop application allows you to automatically sync any form of USB storage device to Google Drive. This will mean you no longer have to manually upload your files every time you connect your camera or SD card to the computer.

Use the below tutorial to automatically upload files to Google Drive from a portable storage media:

  • Open the Drive for a desktop application on your computer
  • Select More (three vertical dots) and choose preferences
More-preference
  • Find and click on the option USB devices & SD cards at the bottom of the screen
  • Now choose Plug in a camera to backup files
plug-in-camera
  • Finally, hit OK to start uploading files to your Google Drive

Before We End 

In a World driven by data, every MB of data is precious and needs to be saved properly. Cloud backups are the smartest way to take backup of data and ensure the most security to your data. However, what if you lose your data before you back it up on Google Drive. It can be your hard drive, SD card, or USB drive, data loss is inevitable if proper precautions aren’t in place.

In case of such data loss scenarios, we recommend you make use of powerful data recovery software- Remo Recover. The tool can recover deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage devices on Windows and Mac. Download Remo to get back all your data effortlessly.

Do let us know your thoughts on this article in the comment section below. If you find this article helpful do share the info on your social media. You can check out more info on data loss and data management below.

About the Author: Tony Landry

Tony Landry is a Web Content Editor at Remo Software. He loves to write, edit, and manage content for users trying to troubleshoot and fix problems on Windows, Outlook, storage drives, and Cloud storage networks. With an aptitude that transcends writing, Tony is recognized as a Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint expert. His comprehensive solutions…

One thought on “Google Drive Sync Settings | A complete Guide-2022

  1. Thanks so much! I just built a new PC and Google was backing up all my raw files when I only wanted the JPEG files uploaded.

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