This solution is to be used as a general outline for how to upload files to Google Drive as a means to backup data. If you would like to use OneDrive, for Microsoft products, that is another great solution for backing up data on a Windows device. Please see the solution for OneDrive.


Upload files & folders

On your computer, you can upload from drive.google.com or your desktop. You can upload files into private or shared folders.

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. At the top left, click New and then  File Upload or Folder Upload.
  3. Choose the file or folder you want to upload.


Drag files into Google Drive

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Open or create a folder.
  3. To upload files and folders, drag them into the Google Drive folder.


Use Backup & Sync

  1. Install the application on your computer.
  2. On your computer, you'll see a folder called "Google Drive."
  3. Drag files or folders into that folder. They will upload to Drive and you will see them on drive.google.com.


Save from Print view 

Important: Make sure you have the Save to Google Drive Extension installed. 

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Open the page, image, or file you want to print.
  3. On the top, click File and then Print.
  4. In the window, select Save to Drive or click See more and then Save to Drive. 
  5. Click Print.


Convert documents into Google formats

If you want to upload files like Microsoft Word documents, you can change a setting to convert files.

Important: You can only change Google Drive settings from your computer.

  1. Using a computer, go to drive.google.com/drive/settings.
  2. Next to "Convert Uploads," check the box.


Upload files with the same name

If you upload a file with the same name, Google Drive will upload the file as a revision of the file already in Google Drive.

To keep both files:

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Upload a file.
  3. Click Keep as separate file.


If you have trouble with these steps, please see your building's Instructional Technology Specialist for more information. They should be able to help you learn how to utilize this software effectively. You can also see Google's documentation about Google Drive here: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2424368?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop