How to Save Your Google Drive Files to a USB Flash Drive

 

Information

If you're retiring or switching accounts, you’ll want to save your important Google Drive files. This guide will show you how to download your Google Drive files to a USB flash drive for your personal records.

Environment

To follow these instructions, you will need:

  • A USB flash drive (8GB is plenty).
  • A computer with internet.
  • Your GRCC account login (username & password).

Process

For Windows Users

  1. Plug in Your USB Flash Drive
  • Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
  • Open File Explorer (yellow folder icon).
  • Find your USB drive on the left side menu (may be labeled USB Drive or Removable Disk).
  1. Download Files from Google Drive
  • Open your web browser and go to Google Drive.
  • Sign in to your Google account.
  • Navigate to the file or folder you want to save.
  • Right-click the file or folder.
  • Select Download.
  • The file will be saved to your Downloads folder.
  1. Move Google Drive File to USB Drive
  • In File Explorer, open your Downloads folder.
  • Find the file(s) you just downloaded.
  • Click and drag them over to your USB Drive folder.
  1.  Eject the USB Flash Drive
  • Right-click your USB drive in File Explorer.
  • Select Eject.
  • Wait for confirmation before unplugging.

For Mac Users

  1. Plug in Your USB Flash Drive
  • Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your Mac.
  • Open Finder (blue smiley face icon).
  • Look for your USB drive under Locations (may be labeled Untitled or USB Drive).
  1. Download Files from Google Drive
  • Open your web browser and go to Google Drive.
  • Sign in to your Google account.
  • Navigate to the file or folder you want to save
  • Right-click the file or folder.
  • Select Download.
  • The file will be saved to your Downloads folder.
  1. Move Google Drive File to USB Drive
  • In Finder, open your Downloads folder.
  • Find the file(s) you just downloaded.
  • Click and drag them over to your USB Drive. 
  1. Eject the USB Flash Drive
  • Drag the USB drive icon to the Trash, or right-click and select Eject.
  • Wait for confirmation before unplugging.

    Optional: Upload Your Files to a Personal Google Drive Account

If you’d like to move your files into your personal Gmail account for future use:

  1. Go to drive.google.com and sign in with your personal Gmail account.

  2. Click the “+ New” button on the left side.

  3. Choose “File upload” or “Folder upload.”

  4. In the window that opens, locate and select the file(s) or folder(s) from your USB Drive

Wait for the upload to complete. You’ll see your files appear in your personal Google Drive.

That’s it!

Your Google Drive files are now backed up on your USB flash drive, and if you chose to upload them, they’re also available in your personal Google Drive for easy access.

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