Need to update Google Drive but aren't sure where to look? The desktop app updates automatically by default, while phone updates come through Google Play or the App Store. Start with the steps for your device, then try the desktop reinstall option if installing the latest version doesn't resolve the problem.
Let Drive for desktop update automatically
Drive for desktop handles updates automatically by default, so routine updates don't need a manual action.
Leave automatic updates enabled on your Windows PC or Mac. On a managed computer, ask IT to check whether updates have been disabled.
Still using Backup and Sync? Google ended sign-in for that app starting October 1, 2021. Install its replacement, Drive for desktop, using the download steps below.
Install the latest version on Windows or Mac
You can install Google's latest desktop download without uninstalling Drive first. Reinstalling the most recent version is also a troubleshooting option.
Visit Google's Drive product page and select Download Drive for desktop in the desktop section. The familiar google.com/drive/download/ address redirects to this page.
Open GoogleDriveSetup.exe on Windows or GoogleDrive.dmg on Mac.
Follow the installation prompts.
To reach the installer from the Drive website instead, open drive.google.com and choose Settings > Get drive for desktop. This opens the installation route; it doesn't directly update the installed app.
If installing the latest download doesn't resolve the desktop problem, try the uninstall-and-reinstall steps below. Preserve unsynced files before disconnecting your account.
Update Google Drive on Android
Open the Google Drive details page in the Play Store. Tap Update when an update is available.
To check pending updates instead, open Play Store > profile icon > Manage apps & device. Under Updates available, tap See details.
Tap Update beside Google Drive, or choose Update all to install all pending app updates.
For automatic updates specifically for Drive, open Play Store > profile picture > Manage apps & device > Manage > Drive > More. Turn on Enable auto update.
Get an available update on iPhone or iPad
App Store apps update automatically by default, so Drive doesn't need a manual update for every release.
To check manually, open the App Store.
Tap My Account or your photo.
Open App Updates.
Tap Update beside Google Drive, or choose Update All to install all available app updates.
To enable automatic updates, open Settings > Apps > App Store.
Turn on App Updates.
Use the right update route on the web or Chromebook
Drive in a browser uses Google's maintained cloud service, so there's no separate Drive installer to update. On a Chromebook, the update route depends on whether you use the Android app or the system's built-in Drive integration.
For browser access, open drive.google.com.
Sign in to your Google Account.
For the Android Drive app on a compatible Chromebook, open Launcher > Play Store.
Use the Android update steps above.
For the built-in Drive integration, connect your Chromebook to the internet.
Select the time.
Open Settings > About ChromeOS.
Select Check for updates.
Restart after the download finishes. This updates ChromeOS, including the system supporting Drive integration. The separately installed Android Drive app uses Google Play updates.
Reinstall the desktop app if the problem continues
Use this fallback when installing the latest download hasn't resolved the problem.
- 1.Preserve unsynced files before disconnecting Drive. Disconnecting deletes Drive's Lost & Found folder.
- 2.Open the Drive menu > Settings > Preferences > Advanced Settings > Disconnect account, then confirm with OK.
- 3.Open the Drive menu > Settings > Quit.
- 4.On Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find Google Drive, open More, and select Uninstall. On Mac, open Finder > Applications, select Google Drive, and choose File > Move to Trash. Use a supplied uninstaller instead when one is present.
- 5.Return to Google's Drive product page and select Download Drive for desktop. Open GoogleDriveSetup.exe on Windows or GoogleDrive.dmg on Mac, then follow the installation prompts.
Ask IT about updates on a work or school computer
Your organization can disable automatic desktop updates or hide the Get drive for desktop download option.
Ask IT to check whether updates are disabled or to deploy the latest official installer. Your administrator can handle the update through the organization's software-management tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does updating Google Drive also update or synchronize my files?
Updating Drive installs a newer version of the app. Synchronizing files and replacing a file with a newer version are separate tasks.
Can I force an Android Drive update from my computer?
Google Play on a computer supports remotely installing or reinstalling Drive on a compatible Android device. It doesn't provide a universal force-update control. Check for the update in Google Play on your phone.
What versions of iOS and macOS does Google Drive require?
The current iPhone and iPad listing requires iOS 17.0 or iPadOS 17.0 or later. Drive for desktop requires macOS Ventura 13.0 or later on Mac.
Should I delete Drive from my iPhone to update it?
Use the App Store's update controls first. Deleting Drive is a troubleshooting fallback that carries a risk of losing locally stored app data. Removal alone doesn't update the app; you must redownload it afterward.