Google Drive is the file storage and synchronization service from Google. Google Drive File Stream is the enterprise level file synchronization software which synchronizes files between your computer and Google Drive.
If you are a home user, you may be content with downloading Google Backup and Sync. There is a little difference between the two apps. Both are used to synchronize data between your computer and the Google drive storage. In this article, let’s talk about the difference between the two apps and then head towards the Google Drive File Stream offline installers for deploying the software without downloading it again and again.
Difference between File Stream and Backup and Sync
Although both the apps are used to get access to and synchronize files from Google Drive storage, there are certain differences. After discussing about the differences, you will be able to see which one should work better for you. Here is the comparison chart:
Drive File Stream can do everything from accessing files in My Drive, Team Drive, stream files on demand, sync selected folders only to save space, use native applications for stored files, it can’t sync multiple folders to Google Drive. You will be limited to a G drive instead of a separate folder.
Google Backup and Sync is for home users. It will synchronize all the data inside the selected Google Drive and the user can select other folders to synchronize as well. But Backup and Sync app can’t be used for team drives.
Biggest advantage of File Stream as compared to Backup and Sync is that File Stream saves a lot of local disk space as it will not download the files to local storage by default. All the files will stay in your Drive account and the files which you open will be streamed directly from the cloud.
If you want to sync any folders or files to local storage for offline access, you can easily do this by right clicking the folder/file inside the G Drive, and select “Available offline” from Drive File Stream menu.
Google File Stream direct download links
Google provides a web installer for the application which is suitable if you want to install it on a single computer. But if you want to deploy it across your organization or make it available offline, you will need its full installer. We are sharing the links to Google File Stream full installer for your ease.
Download Google File Stream for Windows and macOS
Expand Download & install Drive File Stream and press the appropriate download link.
To run the setup in silent mode, use the following command:
For Windows
GoogleDriveFSSetup –silent
For Mac
hdiutil mount GoogleDriveFileStream.dmg; sudo installer -pkg /Volumes/Install\ Google\ Drive\ File\ Stream/GoogleDriveFileStream.pkg -target “/Volumes/Macintosh HD”; hdiutil unmount /Volumes/Install\ Google\ Drive\ File\ Stream/
