What is Google Drive & How to use

What is Google Drive?

Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Google that allows you to:

Store files online (documents, photos, videos, etc.)
Access them from any device with internet (computer, phone, tablet)
Share files or folders with others
Collaborate in real time on documents using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
Backup important files automatically

It offers 15 GB of free storage, which is shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive. You can also upgrade to more storage with Google One.

What's different Gmail & G-suite?

Gmail and G Suite (now called Google Workspace) are both services offered by Google, but they serve different purposes:

Gmail:

What it is: Gmail is a free email service developed by Google.
Launched: April 1, 2004.

Features:

15 GB of free storage.
Spam filtering and virus protection.
Integration with Google services like Drive, Docs, Calendar, etc.
Available on web and mobile apps.

G Suite (now Google Workspace):

What it is: G Suite was a premium, business-oriented suite of cloud-based productivity tools by Google, rebranded as Google Workspace in October 2020.

Includes:

Gmail (with custom domain support, like name@yourcompany.com)
Google Drive (with more storage)
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
Google Meet and Calendar
Admin controls and security tools for businesses.
Used by: Companies, schools, and organizations for team collaboration and management.

How to open Google Drive?

Step 1: Open a Web Browser

Open Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any browser on your computer or mobile.

Step 2: Go to Google Drive

Type this in the address bar:

🔗 https://drive.google.com

Then press Enter.

Step 3: Sign in to Your Google Account

If you're not already signed in, enter your Gmail ID and password.

Step 4: Google Drive Dashboard Appears

Once signed in, you'll see your Google Drive home screen showing your files and folders.

Step 5: Start Using Google Drive

You can now:

📁 Upload files or folders
➕ Create new Docs, Sheets, Slides
🔗 Share files with others

How to Create New Document in Google Drive?

Open Google Drive: Go to https://drive.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
Click the "New" button: On the left side of the screen, click the + New button.
Select "Google Docs": From the dropdown menu, choose Google Docs.
You can select Blank document to start fresh.
Or choose From a template to use a pre-designed layout.
Start editing: A new tab will open with the document editor. You can now write and edit your content.
Document is auto-saved: Everything you type is saved automatically in Google Drive.

How to delete any file or folder in Google Drive?

Open Google Drive: Go to https://drive.google.com and log in with your Google account.
Locate the File or Folder: Browse or search to find the file or folder you want to delete.
Right-Click the Item: Right-click on the file or folder. A context menu will appear.
Click “Remove”: Select the “Remove” option (trash bin icon) from the menu. The item will be moved to the Trash.
Empty Trash (Optional): To permanently delete, click Trash from the left sidebar, right-click the item again, and choose “Delete forever”.

How to Restore Deleted Files or Folders in Google Drive and How Long They Can Be Restored?

🔄 Steps to Restore Deleted Files/Folders:

Open Google Drive in your browser: https://drive.google.com
On the left side panel, click on “Trash” (or “Bin” in some regions).
Find the file or folder you want to restore.
Right-click on the item.
Click “Restore” to move it back to its original location.

⏳ How Long Can You Restore?

Google Drive keeps deleted files in the Trash for 30 days.
After 30 days, the files are automatically and permanently deleted.
If you're using a Google Workspace account (formerly G Suite), admins may be able to restore items from the Admin Console even after they’re deleted from Trash (up to 25 days more, depending on policy).

How to move any file or folder in Google Drive?

Steps to Move a File or Folder in Google Drive:

1. Open Google Drive:

Go to drive.google.com and log in to your Google account.

2. Right-click the file or folder:

Locate the file/folder you want to move, then right-click on it.

3. Click on “Move to”:

In the context menu, click on the “Move to” option (with a folder icon).

4. Choose the destination folder:

A dialog box will appear. Navigate through your Drive to choose the target folder.

5. Click “Move”:

Once you've selected the folder, click the “Move” button to complete.

How to Share a File or Folder with Another User and Set Access Permissions in Google Drive?

Open Google Drive

Go to https://drive.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Select the File or Folder

Right-click on the file or folder you want to share.

Click “Share”

From the menu, select "Share".

Add People or Groups

In the sharing dialog box, enter the email address of the person or group you want to share with.

Set Access Permission

On the right side of the email entry, choose one of the following:

Viewer – Can view only.
Commenter – Can view and leave comments.
Editor – Can view, comment, and edit.

Click “Send”

After setting the permissions, click the "Send" button. The person will receive an email with the access link.

How to Prevent Viewers and Commenters from Downloading, Printing, or Copying a Shared File?

If you want to stop viewers and commenters from downloading, printing, or copying a shared file, follow these steps:

Go to “Share with people and groups”.
Click the ⚙️ Settings icon (top-right corner of the sharing window).
Uncheck the box that says:

“Viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy”.
Close the settings window — your changes will be saved automatically.

Importance

I hope that you have clearly understood all the information I provided about Google Drive. If you have any doubts or questions regarding this article, feel free to let me know by leaving a comment below. If you liked this article, please share it on your social networks.

What is Google Drive & How to use