The fastest way to upload a file to Google Drive

Open Google Drive in your web browser, click the New button on the left side, then select File upload. Find the file on your computer, click it once, and click Open. The file uploads automatically and appears in your Drive within seconds.

If you want to upload a folder instead of a single file, click New, select Folder upload, and choose the folder from your computer. Google Drive uploads everything inside it and keeps the folder structure the same.

You can also drag files directly into the Google Drive window from your desktop or file explorer. Open Google Drive in one window, open your file explorer in another, then drag the file from your explorer into the Drive window. It uploads the same way as using the button.

Key Takeaways

  • Click New and select File upload to upload a single file from your computer to Google Drive.
  • Use Folder upload instead if you want to upload an entire folder with multiple files inside it.
  • Dragging files directly into the Google Drive window works just as well as using the upload button.
  • Files upload in the background, so you can close the browser tab or open other tabs while the upload happens.
  • Google Drive stores the file in your main Drive folder unless you move it to a different folder after uploading.

Uploading from your phone or tablet

Open the Google Drive app on your phone or tablet, tap the blue + button at the bottom right, then tap Upload. Your phone opens the file picker, where you can choose a photo, document, or any other file stored on your device. Tap the file and it uploads to Drive.

On an iPhone or iPad, you can also open the Files app, find the file you want, tap and hold it, then select Share and choose Save to Files. Navigate to Google Drive and save it there. This method works for files that the Google Drive app might not recognize.

Uploading files larger than 5 GB

Google Drive's web upload works for files up to 5 TB in size, so file size is rarely a problem. However, if your internet connection is slow or unstable, large files may fail partway through. If an upload fails, Google Drive usually lets you resume it instead of starting over.

For very large files over a few gigabytes, consider uploading during off-peak hours when your internet is faster and more stable. If you regularly upload large video files or databases, using Google Drive's desktop app (called Google Drive for Desktop) can be more reliable than the web browser, because it handles interruptions better.

Organizing files after upload

Once a file is in Google Drive, you can move it to a different folder by right-clicking it and selecting Move, then choosing the folder where you want it to go. You can also drag the file into a folder if you have both the file and the folder visible on your screen.

Create new folders to organize your files before uploading, or create them afterward and move files into them. Right-click in an empty area of Google Drive and select New folder, then give it a name. Organizing files into folders makes them easier to find later and helps you share the right files with the right people.

Sharing uploaded files with others

After uploading a file, right-click it and select Share. A window opens where you can type the email addresses of people you want to share with. Choose whether they can view, comment, or edit the file, then click Share. Google Drive sends them an email with a link to the file.

You can also get a shareable link without typing email addresses. Right-click the file, select Share, then click Change to anyone with the link. Copy the link and send it to whoever you want. This method works when you do not know someone's email address or want to share with a large group.

What happens to files you upload

Files you upload to Google Drive count against your storage limit. Google gives you 15 GB of free storage shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. If you run out of space, you cannot upload more files until you delete some or buy more storage.

Files stay in Google Drive until you delete them. Deleting a file moves it to the trash folder, where it stays for 30 days before Google permanently removes it. If you delete a file by mistake, you can restore it from the trash within that 30-day window by right-clicking it and selecting Restore.

Uploading files that Google Drive can open

When you upload a Microsoft Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint presentation, Google Drive converts it to Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides format automatically. This lets you open and edit the file directly in Google Drive without downloading it first. The original file stays in your Drive, and you can read it back to Word or Excel format whenever you want.

If you do not want Google Drive to convert the file, right-click it after uploading and select Open with, then choose the app you want to use. You can also turn off automatic conversion in your Google Drive settings by going to Settings and unchecking Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload files while offline?

No, you need an internet connection to upload files to Google Drive. However, if you use Google Drive for Desktop (the app you install on your computer), you can work on files offline and they upload automatically when your internet comes back. The web version requires an active connection.

What file types can I upload to Google Drive?

Google Drive accepts almost any file type: documents, spreadsheets, images, videos, audio files, PDFs, compressed folders, and more. The only limit is file size (up to 5 TB) and your available storage space. Some file types like .exe files are blocked for security reasons.

Does uploading a file to Google Drive make a copy or move the original?

Uploading makes a copy. The original file stays on your computer, and a copy goes to Google Drive. If you delete the file from your computer, it remains in Google Drive. If you delete it from Google Drive, the file on your computer is not affected.

How long does it take to upload a file?

Upload speed depends on your internet connection and the file size. A small document might upload in seconds, while a large video could take minutes or longer. Google Drive shows a progress bar so you can see how much has uploaded. You can keep using your computer while the upload happens in the background.

Can I upload files directly to a shared folder?

Yes, if someone shared a folder with you and gave you editing permission, you can upload files directly into that folder. The file appears in the shared folder for everyone who has access to it. If you only have viewing permission, you cannot upload files to that folder.