google drive for desktop not syncing

Whether it’s about improved collaborations or offline accessibility, Google synchronisation seems crucial in several scenarios to elevate productivity. Synchronisation turns out to be quite time-saving since you can access the latest version of documents conveniently without switching between devices. However, what if Google Drive stops syncing, given any cause?

Such desktop Google Drive not syncing problem is equally common for users of varying operating systems, i.e., MAC, Windows, and Android. So, if you’re stuck in such a state and your Google Drive is not updating or synchronising, you need to explore some efficient approaches to fix the encountered issue.

In this article
  1. Why Does Google Drive Not Sync?
  2. How To Fix Google Drive Does Not Syncing Problem?
  3. PDFelement Cloud- The Best Alternative Way To Sync Files Smartly!
  4. Tips To Ensure Efficient Files Sync On Google Drive

Why Does Google Drive Not Sync?

Have you ever wondered why my Google Drive does not sync, causing problems with accessing the updated files? This may arise for diverse reasons. Before discussing fixing strategies, it’s essential to determine the reason so that a relevant approach can be considered.

Most of the time, a poor or slow internet connection turns out to be the culprit of the Google Drive not syncing issue. However, here we have highlighted a few other likely causes of the Google Drive Not Syncing Windows 10/11/Mac/Android problem.

Malfunctioning App

In some cases, Google Drive may stop functioning correctly if you haven’t updated it and are still employing the outdated version, which may lead to Google Drive not syncing issues.

Poor Configurations

To synchronise the files across different devices, your Google Drive needs to be appropriately configured. So, you may often encounter syncing issues with a poorly configured Google Drive.

Unsupported File Type

Drive comes with pre-defined file size limits, so the files exceeding the defined size limit are considered unsupported file types, and this causes the synchronisation error.

Storage Limitation

Though each Google Account comes with 15GB of free storage, the usage of other Google apps may allocate the entire storage space, and consequently, your Google Drive won’t sync.

How To Fix Google Drive Does Not Syncing Problem?

Once you have figured out the likely problem triggering reason, the fixing process becomes more straightforward since you can address it quickly & accurately.

Whether your Google Drive for Mac not syncing or coming across the same issue on Windows 10 or 11, the fixing approaches remain the same. Therefore, here we have illustrated a few common & effective strategies that efficiently work on all systems.

1. Update

Suppose you are accessing the Google Drive app on Android. In that case, the sync issue arising from a corrupted or outdated application can be fixed by updating or re-installing the Google Drive app. However, you may even need to clear the app’s cache data stored on your device in some cases. To do so:

Step 1

Go to "Settings" on your Android device and select "Apps" > "Drive."

access the apps settings
Step 2

In Drive settings, choose the "Storage" option.

choose drive storage settings
Step 3

Now, tap on "Clear Cache" to remove the cache data.

clear google drive cache

2. Restart

In some scenarios, a simple restart process can resolve so many glitches. If the causes of the Google Drive synchronisation issue are uncertain, then you can promptly restart or refresh the Google Drive app. This tactic also works if Google Drive is not updating due to a poor or unstable internet connection.

3. Check Configurations

Google Drive Not Syncing Windows 11/10 problem is highly inevitable, especially if you've made some odd configurations. You might be trying to sync some Google Drive files to your local storage, but certain configurations won't allow you to do so since Google Drive allows users to choose between a selective sync process and syncing everything on the Drive.

So, in such a situation, you need to reconfigure it to address the trouble you encountered. Here we have illustrated how you can reconfigure your Drive to fix the syncing issue:

Step 1

Access your Google Drive app, and click on "Settings (gear icon)" > "Preferences."

customize google drive preferences
Step 2

Choose the desired configuration option to sort out the syncing issue.

choose a specific configuration

4. Check The Storage Space

Google Drive offers limited free storage of 15 GB. If you frequently exploit the Google apps, then your storage space for Google Drive might teem; to sync additional files, you may need to free up some space.

Freeing up the space may seem troublesome since Drive primarily encompasses important files that can't be removed. In such a case, you can delete the hefty videos synced on Google Photos, which can significantly reduce the occupied space, letting you sync your files or documents in Google Drive readily.

PDFelement Cloud- The Best Alternative Way To Sync Files Smartly!

The popularity and usage convenience of Google Drive is unchallengeable. However, the users who need to collaborate on files more frequently often look for something more comprehensive that not only meets basic cloud storage requirements but also presents a suite of features with maximum storage space, ensuring smooth workflow and enhanced productivity.

In this connection, PDFelement Cloud can serve as the best alternative to Google Drive, which lets you seamlessly sync your files or folders for better collaboration. It is considered a top-notch cloud storage platform that comes up with relatively more storage space for free usage. Also, its integration with PDFelement software makes it an irresistible choice by unlocking the vast file editing options.

Benefits of Using PDFelement Cloud For File Synchronisation

Here, we have shed light on a few key benefits of using PDFelement Cloud for efficient file syncing:

  • It facilitates the online annotations and commenting process to elevate collaborations and ensure hassle-free real-time feedback.
  • For efficient syncing, you can use 20GB of free storage space without paying for the premium plan; this also elevates the file storage process and improves overall collaboration.
  • It protects your data and lets you collaborate on important files professionally.
  • It eliminates the chances of file corruption and other glitches, making it free from the complications associated with file syncing.

How To Sync Files Using PDFelement Cloud?

Syncing the files using PDFelement Cloud is pretty straightforward. You can do this by following these basic operational steps:

Step 1

Navigate to the "PDFelement Cloud" and sign in there to get started.

Step 2

Click the "Upload Files" button and choose the files you want to sync.

choose upload file option
Step 3

The synced files can now be retrieved and edited from any other device at any time.

Tips To Ensure Efficient Files Sync On Google Drive

Though we have illustrated in depth how to fix the “Google Drive Not Sync” issue and even suggested an efficient alternative cloud storage platform, PDFelement Cloud, that best serves all your cloud-related needs, still, if you intend to continue with Google Drive, learning some practical tips and tricks will enable you to experience efficient Google Drive file syncing in the future. Such as:

  • Regular monitoring of Google storage and removing unnecessary or corrupted files proves to be an effective approach to eradicating storage limitations in updating Google Drive.
  • If you’re on the free plan, turn off the automatic syncing process. It automatically syncs all the files you deal with, which can fill up your limited storage space. However, turning off the auto syncing lets you sync only the important files.
  • Make sure to have a good & stable internet connection before syncing larger files.
  • Google Drive users on the paid plan with maximum storage available must turn on auto backups and syncing so that the routine work performed on local storage auto syncs on Google Drive.

Conclusion

“My Google Drive is not syncing”, “Google Drive not syncing Android”, or “Mac Google Drive not syncing” are widely found queries across different platforms. Google Drive users may encounter such issues on any device and then promptly go to find fixes to such encountered problems. Regarding the root cause, the issue can be fixed by practising some basic processes such as updating, restarting, and managing storage space.

However, to bypass the hassles associated with Google Drive and its syncing process, PDFelement Cloud is also a recommended option. So, ensure a seamless synchronization by adapting an efficient tool like PDFelement in your workflow.

For quick assistance, here we answered some likely questions that might be in your minds:

People Also Ask

  • How do we fix the Google Drive Mac Not Syncing issue?
    The "Google Drive not syncing Mac" issue occurs for the same reason as it occurs on Windows OS, and restarting the drive or refreshing the internet connection can instantly address it.
  • Does Google Drive not syncing Windows 11 arise in specific Windows versions only?
    No, the same issue can arise in any version of Windows, Mac, and Android devices also on the same grounds.
  • Why PDFelement Cloud is preferred over Google Drive for file sync?
    Given its extended free storage and integration with PDFelement software to experience endless PDF editing capabilities, it is a preferred choice over Google Drive.
Audrey Goodwin
Audrey Goodwin Sep 23, 24
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12 years of talent acquired in the software industry working with large publishers. Public speaker and author of several eBooks on technical writing and editing.