Google Drive
Google Drive for desktop is a cloud storage and file sync app that lets you access, sync, and manage Google Drive files from your Mac.
What is Google Drive?
Google Drive for desktop is a Mac file syncing and cloud storage app that brings your Google Drive files into Finder so you can work with them alongside local files. It helps individuals, students, and teams keep documents, folders, and shared content available across their computer and Google Drive account. On macOS, it supports both streaming files to save local disk space and mirroring files for offline access. It also lets you sync selected folders from your Mac, open cloud files from desktop apps, and manage shared files without using a browser for every task. For people who use Google Workspace or personal Google accounts, it fits into everyday workflows such as document editing, file sharing, backups, and moving files between local storage and the cloud.
Key features
- Access Google Drive files directly in Finder
- Stream files without storing everything locally
- Mirror selected files for offline use
- Sync folders between your Mac and Google Drive
- Open and edit cloud files with desktop apps
- Work with shared drives and shared folders
- Manage upload and download bandwidth settings
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
Google Drive for desktop is legitimate software from Google, but it commonly runs in the background, adds Finder integration, and may request access to folders such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, external drives, or Photos when you choose sync features that need them. Those permissions are consistent with file syncing and backup behavior. Review which folders are being synced before enabling broad access, especially on shared Macs or if sensitive work files are stored locally.
Recommendation: Keep Google Drive for desktop if you actively use Google Drive or Google Workspace on this Mac, since removing it can stop file syncing, offline access, and Finder-based access to cloud files. If you no longer use it, quit the app, disconnect your account if needed, and remove it to stop background syncing and free local storage used for mirrored or offline files.
Common paths
/Applications/Google Drive.app~/Library/CloudStorage/GoogleDrive-*
Cache paths
~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.google.drivefs.settings.plist
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