How to Backup Google Drive Files to External Drive: In Simple Steps.

Google Drive is one of the most widely used cloud storage services, which provides users with 15GB of free storage. It is popular due to its intuitive interface and rich features. Sometimes, users may want to back up their Google Drive files to a local or external hard drive. This could be for various reasons, such as safeguarding against accidental data loss, protecting against malware, or freeing up cloud storage space.

This guide will give you efficient ways to backup Google Drive files to your PC or an external hard drive.

Benefits of Backing up Your Google Drive Files

Google Drive file backup to local storage has numerous benefits. Some of the key advantages include:

• Users might accidentally delete files from Google Drive. Having a backup ensures these files are not permanently lost.
• Users can free up storage space and use the experience in the cloud by archiving and deleting unnecessary file types in Google Drive.
• Although Google Drive is reliable, unexpected circumstances, such as data corruption, can happen. Backups save against occasional but possible malfunctions.

• Keeping a backup locally of important files adds another layer of protection against malicious attacks or hacking.

Now, look at practical ways of backing up Google Drive files to local storage.

Free Ways to Back Up Google Drive Files to Local Storage

1. Google Takeout

Google Takeout is a free tool by Google that allows users to export their data, including Google Drive files, to local storage. Here's how to do it:

• Open Google Takeout and sign in with your Google account.

• Select the data you want to back up by checking the appropriate boxes.
• Click the Next Step button.
• Select your preferred data export delivery format, frequency, file type, and size.
• Click Create Export to initiate

Once the Export is prepared, it will send an email with a link to download them to your hard drives or the external one.

Limitations in Google Takeout

• It is only possible for up to 50GB in one Export.
• This does not offer simultaneous backup options for multiple Google Drives.
• Fewer file formats like PST, EML, and MSG are supported.

2. Download Files from Google Drive

You can directly download files or folders from Google Drive to your local storage or external hard drive:

• Login to your Google Drive account.
• Open the file or folder you wish to backup.
• Right-click on the file/folder and select the option Download.
• Save the downloaded file to the location of your preference.

Limitations of Direct Download:

• Users can only download one file or folder at a time.
• Manually downloading large data sets is time-consuming.

3. Using Google Drive Desktop Application

The Google Drive desktop application is another option for backing up Google Drive files to your PC. Follow these steps:

1. Download and install the Google Drive for Desktop application on your computer.
2. Set up the app and choose one of the following options:

• Stream files: You can access Google Drive files without actually downloading them.
• Mirror files: All files are downloaded to your local drive.

3. After installation, you will notice that files synced appear on your computer, and you can easily copy them to an external hard drive.

Downsides of Google Drive Desktop Application

• Cannot back up multiple Google Drives concurrently
• If the files required are too big, it may cause storage issues in your local drive since there isn't enough space.

Best Method to Backup Google Drive Without Restrictions

The free methods can be helpful but come with drawbacks. Users can choose the Shoviv Google Drive Backup Tool for a problem-free and effective solution. It is third-party software that provides a backup of Google Drive files to local storage or external drives without any restrictions.

Features of Shoviv Google Drive Backup Tool:

• Easily back up data from multiple Google Drive accounts simultaneously.
• Apply filters based on folder, date, file type, file size, and more.
• Regardless of the size or number of Google Drives, the software handles backups seamlessly.
• Set periodic backups at your preferred date and time using the built-in scheduler.
• The tool's intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to use.

Steps to Backup Google Drive Using Shoviv:

• Download and install the Shoviv Google Drive Backup Software on your computer.
• Launch the software and connect your Google Drive/Google Workspace account.
• Click the Create Job option on the ribbon bar.
• Select the Source (Google Workspace) and Target (File System), then name the backup job.
• Select the filters to include or exclude based on your criteria.
• Schedule the backup if needed, and then click Finish to start the backup process.
• The software will easily transfer Google Drive data to your local storage or external hard drive.

Conclusion:

To avoid critical data from accidental deletion, malware, or other unexpected problems, it is essential to back up Google Drive files into a local or external hard drive. Even though there are free options like Google Takeout, direct downloads, and the Google Drive desktop software, they have flaws. Shoviv Google Drive Backup Tool is the best solution for smooth and advanced backup. It enhances usage with rich features and becomes a good fit for every user trying to make data safe and accessible. Try it today.