Google Drive File Stream provides an easy way to access all the files in the "My Drive" sections of Google Drive as well any Teams/Shared Folders you may have access to. As an added bonus, even though you can see all your files, Google Drive File Stream doesn't actually download all those files to your computer. It intelligently manages the files and downloads them on-demand so long as you're connected to the internet. You get the benefits of seeing all your files without filing up your hard drive. 


To use File Stream, we'll first need to login. We're assuming Bionic Cat has already pushed it to your computer using our magical management software. If you need to manually install, here's a link. 


Use Launchpad, Spotlight or go directly to your Applications folder to launch Google Drive File Stream. Our screenshot shows the Launchpad method.


  1. Click on the Launchpad Icon in the Dock.
  2. Search for Google.
  3. Double click on Google Drive File Stream.




You'll get one or two pop-ups after you launch Google Drive File Stream. 

  1. Allow Notifications
  2. If you receive a notification about a system extension being block, click on "Open Security Preferences." If you don't get this prompt, that's OK. You can skip over the next step.



With Security Preferences open:

  1. Click the General Tab
  2. Unlock by clicking on the padlock icon and entering your computer password.
  3. Click "allow" next to the notification about software from Google being blocked.
  4. Close the window.



Once allowed, Google Drive File Stream may take a moment, but it will eventually show up in your menubar. If it doesn't after a minute or so, feel free to launch it again from Launchpad, Spotlight or the Finder. 


When it shows in your menubar:


  1. Click on it  
  2. Select "Sign In."


Sign in as you would normally to your G Suite account. (No screenshots for this, folks. We're assuming you can sign into your account. :-)


Once signed in, you'll get a pop-up with some general information on Google Drive File Stream. Have a peek at that info or just close out of it.



One you close the welcome screen, look on your desktop for a new Google Drive icon.

Double click it to find all your My Drive and Shared Drives inside!



While you can always access your files using that icon on the desktop, you can also click the Google Drive File Stream icon, and click on the little folder icon to bring up your files in a Finder window as well.



Congratulations! You've logged into Google Drive File Stream!