Drive File Streamĭrive File Stream lets you download and open local files on demand, so all data can stay in the cloud and only transfer to the local hard drives when needed. The change is with the applications you will use for accessing Drive through a Windows or macOS computer desktop. Similarly, the mobile apps for Android and iOS will continue to function the same way.

You will still be able to open your web browser and access your data through the Drive website. The main Google Drive service and the Google Docs Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) where you store files and work on documents will remain in place. The reality is, Drive isn't going anywhere. They will provide similar functions for accessing Google Drive for PC/Mac, with some additional features. The two new services are already available to Miami users on our domain. Originally, Google was planning on retiring the applications in mid-March, but now the complete shutdown of the service will take place on May 12, 2018.

Users of Drive for PC/Mac may start seeing messages in the product notifying them that the service is going away. Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync are set to replace the current Google Drive for PC/Mac service. This is a reminder that late last year Google launched two new applications for working with Google Drive files.

Google drive desktop app 2018