It can be disconcerting if your Google Drive folder or shortcut suddenly disappears from your computer’s file manager (Finder on macOS or File Explorer on Windows) after an update or seemingly without reason. This usually indicates an issue with the Google Drive for desktop application’s integration or settings. Here are some common fixes to try.

1. Check if the Google Drive for Desktop Application is Running: #

• macOS: Look for the Google Drive icon (a cloud-shaped triangle) in the menu bar at the very top right of your screen.
• Windows: Look for the Google Drive icon in the system tray in the bottom right corner of your screen (you might need to click the small upward-pointing arrow to show all icons).
• If the icon is not visible, the application may not be running or might have crashed. Try launching “Google Drive” from your Applications folder (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows). If it launches successfully, check if the Drive folder/icon reappears in Finder or File Explorer.

2. For macOS Users: Check Finder Sidebar Preferences: #

This is a very common reason for items, including Google Drive, disappearing from the Finder sidebar, especially after a macOS update.

1. Open Finder (click the blue smiley face icon in your Dock).
2. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on Finder, then select Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. A new window will appear. Click on the Sidebar tab at the top.
4. In the list that appears, look under the “Locations” or “Cloud” section (the exact naming can vary).
5. Ensure that Google Drive (or any similar entry referring to your Google Drive mount) has a tick mark next to it.
6. If it is unticked, simply click the box to tick it. This should make the Google Drive location reappear in your Finder sidebar immediately.

3. For Windows Users: Check File Explorer Navigation Pane (Less Common for Hiding Drive): #

While Google Drive usually integrates as a drive letter or under “This PC,” ensure it hasn’t been accidentally unpinned from Quick Access if you use that.

• Google Drive typically appears as a drive (e.g., G:) or under “This PC.” If it’s missing entirely, the issue is more likely that the application is not running or not signed in correctly.
• If you had it pinned to “Quick access” and it’s gone, you can try to re-pin it by navigating to your Google Drive location (e.g., G: drive), right-clicking on it, and selecting “Pin to Quick access.”

4. Restart the Google Drive for Desktop Application: #

• Click the Google Drive icon in your menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows).
• Click the Gear icon (Settings).
• Select Quit.
• Wait a few moments, then relaunch the Google Drive application from your Applications folder or Start Menu.

5. Restart Your Computer: #

• A full restart of your computer can often resolve temporary glitches that might affect applications like Google Drive for desktop.

6. Ensure You Are Signed In to the Correct Account: #

• Click the Google Drive icon in your menu bar/system tray, then the Gear icon (Settings), and go to Preferences.
• Verify that you are signed in with the correct Google Workspace account. If you are signed out or signed into a different account, the expected Drive location for your Workspace files will not appear.

Further Steps: #

If these initial steps do not resolve the issue, the problem might be more complex. You can refer to more comprehensive troubleshooting guides for Google Drive for desktop (such as checking for application updates, re-authenticating your account, or checking system permissions) or contact your IT administrator for further assistance.