Can you have multiple google drive accounts on one computer

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For whatever reason, Google Drive has two different desktop apps. There’s the consumer-level Backup and Sync, and of course, the enterprise-grade Drive for Desktop (formerly Drive File Stream). Google plans to merge these apps into a unified Drive for Desktop by the end of the year, and to kick things off, it’s rolling out a major update that greatly improves the desktop app’s usability and speed.

The most notable improvement may be multi-account support. In past versions of Drive for Desktop, users had to manually log in and out of each account they wanted to access. Version 49 of Drive for Desktop supports up to four accounts, which you can jump between by clicking your profile picture in the Drive for Desktop app.

But Drive for Desktop also sees some improvements in its basic functionality (that is, backing up and syncing files). You can choose select files or folders to automatically sync with Drive, and now, all photos backed up through Drive for Desktop will automatically go into your Google Photos account. (In the past, uploaded photos sat in Drive like any other files.) Of course, this comes just as Google is ending unlimited storage for its Photos service.

Interestingly, Google’s Drive for Desktop now offers the ability to stream files from the cloud. Past versions required that you mirror media files before using them.

The final improvement to Google Drive is Windows and macOS compatibility. Google says that the client now works faster on both operating systems and is better at backing up files from the macOS iCloud and Photo Library. It’s also better at backing up data from external drives.

Google is currently rolling out Version 49 of Drive for Desktop, though it may take a while to reach your computer. Starting in September, those who currently use Backup and Sync will be asked to transition to Drive for Desktop. Google will officially discontinue Backup and Sync this October, and if you don’t switch over, automatic backup to Google Drive will stop working from your desktop.

Source: Google

Google drive is one of the biggest cloud storage solutions. And with its seamless integration with other productivity apps such as Google Docs and Google Sheets, it seems to be a favorite among consumers. Throw in the 15GB free storage for all users, and you have a win.

Though, there is a handicap. Google Drive doesn’t allow more than one account to be synced on a single Desktop device.

This issue becomes a problem when you have multiple Drive accounts you need to sync often.

The good news is there’s a workaround. The following Google Drive tips will show you how to sync multiple Google drive accounts on desktop without using a paid service.

You can sync Google Drive accounts using its native share solution. The “Share” feature grants permission to another account to access a folder on your main account.

Here’s how to go about it.

1. Select one main Google account. This will be the account you will use to sync all the others.

2. Next, log into the account you want to sync from.

3. Create a folder inside your account and give it a unique name. This unique name will help you identify it in any other account you intend to sync from. Using your email ID is an excellent way to name this folder.

4. Next, select all the files in your Drive account and move it into this new folder. If you don’t intend to sync all these files always, then only move the ones you need to sync. You can drag and drop these files.

5. Once you have moved all the files that you need, you should have a clean drive dashboard. Open the folder to confirm that all your items have been successfully moved without errors. Once confirmed, click on “Drive” to go back to your dashboard.

6. Right-click on your folder and select “Share.”

7. Enter the email address of your main Google Drive’s account. Make sure you grant it permission to read, write and organize this folder. Now click “Send.” You can add more than one account if you want.

8. Google will send an email invite to your main account and ask for permission to have access to this folder. Sign in to your main account. (You can do this on another browser or by using an incognito/private tab.) You should receive an email like the one below.

9. Click on “Open,” then click on the “Shared with me” folder. You should see all the contents that you shared through your second Google account here. Right-click on the folder and select “Add to my Drive.”

10. Now you are set. The shared folder should be there in all its glory. You can sync this account’s content from your main account anytime you want.

11. Also, note that you can sync this folder to your desktop and have access to its content offline.

Wrapping Up

Syncing multiple Google Drive accounts is a great way to collaborate with different projects on one desktop. Not only does it boost productivity, it also saves time and allows you to concentrate on what matters the most.

Hopefully these tips will be good enough to help you set up sync across all your Drive accounts. Cheers to smoother collaborations.

Tip: Use these Google Drive keyboard shortcuts to supercharge your routine.

Nicholas Godwin

Nicholas Godwin is a technology researcher who helps businesses tell profitable brand stories that their audiences love. He's worked on projects for Fortune 500 companies, global tech corporations and top consulting firms, from Bloomberg Beta, Accenture, PwC, and Deloitte to HP, Shell, and AT&T. You may follow his work on Twitter or simply say hello. His website is Tech Write Researcher.

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