How To Fix Google Drive Not Syncing On Windows 11?

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Dayan Shahid

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The ability to sync your device’s data on Google Drive is super-useful. However, if you find Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11, fret not. The problem usually arises due to storage limitations, network issues, or incorrect app configurations. I applied multiple solutions that restored the Google Drive syncing on my Windows PC.

Method Difficulty Rating

Verify Syncing Permissions

It is also possible that you temporarily paused the Google Drive syncing feature, which halted the process completely. Therefore, make sure this is not the case on your computer. If the syncing is paused, resume it using the following method.

1. Navigate To Google Drive: Find the arrowhead pointing upwards on the left side of your Windows Taskbar > Click on it > Press the Google Drive icon.

   

2. Turn On Syncing: Choose the Settings gear > Resume Syncing.

   

Modify Drive Preferences

In my case, I noticed that after updating the app, the Drive settings were automatically changed to sync limited folders instead of syncing everything on my PC. So, I had to go to the Preferences menu and re-adjust the configurations. These steps will help you move ahead with the solution.

1. Go To Drive Folder: Open My PC > Select the drive where the Google Drive file folder is stored and locate it.
2. Select Preferences: Once found, right-click on Google Drive > Hover the mouse over Google Drive in drop-down > Preferences.
3. Allow Sync Everything: Move to the Sync Options tab > Mark the circle beside Sync Everything In My Drive > Apply.

   

Allow Startup Permissions

For Google Drive to sync data without any hassles, ensure you have allowed the app to launch as soon as you boot up the computer. Consequently, the Drive will begin syncing your files and folders without you having to back them up manually.

In case the option is disabled, the syncing process may be halted. Therefore, I verified that the relevant permissions were enabled on my Windows with this technique.

1. Head To Startup: Click on the Windows symbol on the Taskbar > Settings > Apps > Startup.

   

2. Enable Permission: Find Google Drive in this list > Turn On the permission via the toggle switch.

   

Remove Bandwith Restrictions

Imposing bandwidth restrictions means that I limit the amount of data that can be transferred over the network within a specific period, for instance, setting the bandwidth limit to 50GB per day. When this is done, it may affect the syncing process as larger files require more bandwidth to sync to the Drive.

Additionally, enabling restrictions also slowed down the network speed on my PC. Hence, the smart decision was to disable it. Confirm that the Drive’s bandwidth usage is not restricted in any way with this step-by-step process.

1. Launch Preferences: Come to Google Drive’s Preferences > Bandwidth Settings.
2. Unrestrict Bandwidth: Unmark the boxes beside Download Rate and Upload Rate.

   

Wrap Up

Upon researching, it was clear that I was not the only one facing this problem and that multiple users on Reddit were struggling with the same. Still, there has been no official response from Microsoft yet, and users have mostly relied on workarounds like the ones mentioned above.

One thing I did was to use the web version of Google Drive to sync data from my computer instead of the app. It worked as a temporary fix until the root cause leading to the error was gone. On the other hand, reach out to Google Support for personalized assistance.

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Dayan Shahid

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com