It doesn't cost anything to sign up for a Google account and start using Google Drive. That way, if you have to buy a new computer or fully wipe and reset your computer, you can get all your files back.

If your computer ever suffers a data loss (anything from a hardware failure to a house fire to ransomware), all the files you saved using Google Drive are safe and available to you to access or download from the Google Drive website. When you set up Google Drive locally, it saves and syncs any files you tell it to. In addition to using the service as the default save space for all your Google-related files, you can install the Google Drive desktop client to run locally on your device as a file-syncing and storage solution, much the same way Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox can. The online storage you get is shared among documents you create there or save to there, plus Google Photos, and Gmail, including email attachments. Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test (Opens in a new window). Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. When you create a new Google Doc, it automatically saves to Google Drive. If you use Google Workspace, you can think of Drive as one part of the whole suite, alongside other specific apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and so forth. Google Drive is the file storage and syncing component that comes with any Google account. It's an Editors' Choice for file storage and syncing. Google Drive is truly impressive in how it can help you store, back up, create, and even edit files, whether you work solo or as part of a team. Paid plans, which add extra storage space and other perks, are branded as Google One, and you get a lot for your money.

Consumers can specify any folder on their device for backup and save space by not duplicating files on local storage. You can use Google Drive to store documents you create online as well as to back up files on your computer. It's also an integral part of a full, collaborative office suite. Google Drive is much more than just a cloud-based storage and syncing service with an excellent free storage plan. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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