Note: These instructions assume you've already installed and setup Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac or PC.


  1. Go to drive.google.com in a browser.
  2. Click on "Shared with me" on the left hand side.
  3. Locate the folder (or file) you'd like to show up in Google Drive for Desktop in the Finder or Windows Explorer.
  4. Drag it into My Drive.



Now, that folder/file that's been shared with you will show up under "Shared with me" and under "My Drive." Anything under the "My Drive" folder will show up in your Google Drive for easy access from your computer via the Finder or Windows File Explorer.


Not to worry! By putting it in in "My Drive," you haven't moved it for the original owner. It remains unchanged for anyone who has access to the folder. Think of adding a folder/file to My Drive from Shared with me as adding a shortcut or alias of the shared item. It doesn't affect the original item. Rather, it's just a pointer back to the original in "Shared with me."