For example, if you sync multiple desktops from multiple devices, they will all match and exist in the cloud. You can still access files from your desktop/file explorer as before, but with added features. You can edit which folders are synced if you wish to change from the default. When that happens your desktop, documents, and downloads folders will be stored in My Drive. You can also back up your desktop to here with desktop sync. Compare it to your work desktop or a personal drive in a server. They are still work files and if there is ever a need, an administrator can gain access. These files are yours to dictate the permissions on. Known Aliases: My Drive, Google Drive or G-Drive, my documents, personal Drive, synced desktopĬonsider this your personal work folder. We will focus on My Drive, Shared drives, and Shared with me. The picture above shows the different sections on your Google Drive page.

In this article we will define these three sections of Google Drive, including who controls what and where you should store your files. Many users have difficulty with differentiating Shared Drives and Shared with me or with equating Team Drives and Shared Drives. If you ever wondered what is the difference between My Drive, Shared Drives and Shared with me, you are not alone. Google doesn’t help with their naming conventions.

If you’re new to cloud based storage, sometimes the organization can be a bit confusing.

Sharing a google drive folder