Security update for Google Drive

In September 2021, Google Drive released a security update that applies to some Drive files. The security update makes Google Drive files more secure by updating their links to include a resource key which may lead to some new file access requests.

If you use Drive with your personal Gmail account, the security update is applied by default and no action is required.

Important: The security update will be automatically applied to Family Link accounts with no option to remove the update. Family Link accounts won’t receive notifications from Google Drive. 

Find your impacted files

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. At the top, type: is:security_update_applied or is:security_update_removed in the search bar. 

Make security update changes

If you use Drive with your personal Google account, you can make security update changes. If you use Drive for work or school, you may be able to make security update changes depending on your administrator’s settings.

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. At the top, type: is:security_update_applied or is:security_update_removed in the search bar.
3. Right-click the file or files you want to change settings for  click Share  .
4. At the bottom, under “Get link,” click Change.
5. At the top right, click Settings .
6. To apply the security update, check “Apply security update.” To remove the security update, uncheck “Apply security update."

Frequently asked questions

How will this security update change access to my impacted files? 

Once the security update is applied to a file, a resource key included in the URL will be required to access the file. Users who previously accessed or viewed the file won’t need the resource key in the URL. Only people who haven’t previously accessed the file will need the resource key to gain access. If they don’t have the URL with the resource key, they’ll need to request access to the file.

What happens if I don’t apply the security update to my files?

You might have folders impacted by the security update. You can search for all folders that have the security update applied by using this search query: is:security_update_applied type:folder.

Will I know if someone can’t access a file I own because they don’t have a link with the resource key?

If someone requests access to one of your files with the security update, you’ll receive an email telling you whether they tried to access your file using an old link. You can then send the person a new link with the resource key so that they can gain access.

Should I keep sharing impacted files as usual?

Yes, but you’ll need to send collaborators the new, updated link that includes the resource key for your files, so they can gain access once the security update is applied. Do not remove the resourcekey parameter when passing the link to others.

Are any file types not impacted?

Yes. Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms aren’t impacted by this security update. Other file types may be impacted.

How can I find my impacted folders?

You can search for all folders that have the security update applied, by using this search query: is:security_update_applied type:folder

Important: You can’t remove the security update from folders.