Stop syncing files between your computer & Google Drive

If you no longer want to back up files, you can stop syncing temporarily or permanently.

Disconnect your account

If you don't want to sync files but do want to keep Google Drive installed, you can disconnect your account from the app on your computer.

Your files will still be stored at drive.google.com.

Click the Google Drive icon .
- On a Mac, the icon is usually in the menu bar at the top right of the screen.
- On a PC, the icon is usually in the taskbar at the bottom right of the screen.
In the top right, click More > Preferences.
Click Account > Disconnect account.
In the window that appears, click Disconnect.

To temporarily stop Google Drive from syncing, you can exit Google Drive.

Syncing will begin automatically when you restart or open the app on your computer.

Click the Google Drive icon .
- On a Mac, the icon is usually in the menu bar at the top right of the screen.
- On a PC, the icon is usually in the taskbar at the bottom right of the screen.
In the top right, click More > Quit Google Drive.

To stop syncing and remove Google Drive from your computer, uninstall the app.

Mac

Copy any files and folders you want to keep on your computer to a different folder.
- Note: After you uninstall Google Drive from your computer, you can still open your files from drive.google.com/my-drive.
Open Finder and click Applications.
Drag the Google Drive app into the Trash on your dock.
In the top left of your screen, click Finder > Empty Trash.
To delete any files you no longer want, go to My DriveIf you didn't save files on your computer, this is the only copy.

Copy any files and folders you want to keep on your computer to a different folder.
- Note: After you uninstall Google Drive from your computer, you can still open your files from drive.google.com/my-drive.
Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select Google Drive > Uninstall > Yes.

Evan is a Docs & Drive expert and author of this help page. Leave him feedback below about the page.

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