How to uninstall Google Drive

Although Google Drive is one of the most popular services for backing up and managing your files, that doesn't mean it's without drawbacks or bugs. Like any other system, it can have issues that can cause problems for its users.

So whether you want to fix a temporary issue or just don't want to use Google's service anymore, we're here to help. In this article, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Google Drive on different platforms.

How to Uninstall Google Drive on Windows PC

Uninstalling Google Drive on a Windows PC can be done in a few steps. First, you will need to disconnect your account from the app. Next, you will need to go to settings and uninstall the program. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Open Google Drive on your Windows PC. It should be in your system tray under the name "Backup and sync from Google". It's the cloud icon with an up arrow.
   
2. Tap the three dots in the right corner and tap "Preferences."
   
3. Select "Google Drive" from the options on the left.
   
4. Uncheck the box next to "Sync my drive with this computer".
5. Choose "Settings" from the options on the right.
   
6. Tap "Disconnect Account". Wait a few seconds until you are logged out and exit the application.
   
7. Open the start menu, find and open "Apps & features".
   
8. Locate "Google Drive" in the list and select it.
   
9. Tap "Uninstall".
   
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the app uninstallation.

You can also uninstall Google Drive from Control Panel:

1. Open the Start menu, start typing “Control Panel” and open it.
   
2. Press "Programs".
   
3. Tap "Programs and Features".
   
4. Search for "Google Drive" in the list or use the search bar to locate it.
   
5. Right-click on it and press "Uninstall".
   

Notes: Uninstalling Google Drive will not delete files you have already backed up. You can still access them and move them as needed.

How to Uninstall Google Drive on a Mac

Uninstalling Google Drive on a Mac consists of several steps. First, you need to make sure your files are no longer synced and disconnect your account. Then you will need to uninstall the app. Finally, you will need to search for any residual files that might be hiding in your device. Let's go straight to it:

1. Open the "Backup and sync from Google" icon in the upper right corner. If you don't see it, open it from the Applications folder.
   
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner, then tap "Preferences."
   
3. Go to the Google Drive tab and uncheck "Sync my drive with this computer".
4. Go to the Settings tab and tap "Disconnect Account".
   
5. Find the app icon in the top menu, tap the three dots, then tap "Exit."
   
6. Navigate to the Applications folder and find Backup and Sync. Drag the icon to the trash. Then open the Trash and empty it.

Now that you've uninstalled Google Drive, let's get rid of the residual files:

1. Open Finder.
   
2. Press "Go".
3. Tap "Go to Folder".
   
4. Enter "~/Library" and press "Go".
   
5. Delete files linked to Google Drive or Backup and sync from Google.

You have now completed the uninstallation process. All synced files will remain in Google Drive and you can access them at any time.

How to Uninstall Google Drive on Android Device

Google Drive comes pre-installed on most Android devices. But that doesn't mean you can't uninstall it. If you don't like using the app on your phone, you'll be happy to know that there are several ways to uninstall it.

The first is to locate the device in your menu:

1. Go to your menu and find the Google Drive icon. This will be in the folder named “Google”.
   
2. Tap and hold the icon until several options appear.
   
3. Tap "Uninstall".
   

Another way is to do it through settings:

1. Go to your device settings.
   
2. Tap "Apps".
   
3. Scroll down to find Google Drive and tap on it.
   
4. Tap "Uninstall".
   

You can also use the Play Store to uninstall Google Drive:

1. Go to the Play Store.
   
2. Tap "Profile" to the right of the search bar.
   
3. Tap "My apps & games".
   
4. Go to the "Installed" tab and search for Google Drive.
   
5. Open the app and tap "Uninstall".
   

Uninstalling the app will not delete synced files. Also, if you want to continue using Google Drive on another device, it's good to know that uninstalling the Android app won't affect it.

How to Uninstall Google Drive on an iPhone

If you no longer want to use Google Drive on your iPhone or want to reinstall it, there are several ways to uninstall it.

One of the ways is through the menu:

1. Open your menu and search for Google Drive.
   
2. Press and hold the app until you see an "x" in the top left corner of the icon.
   
3. Press the "x", then "Delete".
   

You can also uninstall it by going to your settings:

1. Open your settings.
   
2. Tap "General".
   
3. Tap "iPhone Storage".
   
4. Tap "Google Drive".
   
5. Tap "Delete app".
   

As you can see, uninstalling Google Drive from your iPhone is a simple process. If you want to continue using the app on other devices, uninstalling the iPhone version will not affect it. Any files you synced through your iPhone will remain in the cloud.

How to Uninstall Google Drive File Stream

Google Drive File Stream is an application that you will come across whether you are using a PC or a Mac. This application is part of Google Drive (hence its name) and is responsible for synchronizing your computer with it. Uninstalling it is not complicated, but there are slight differences between the PC version and the Mac version.

How to Uninstall Google Drive File Stream on PC

If you're using a PC, here's how to uninstall Google Drive File Stream:

1. Look for the File Stream icon in the system tray.
   
2. Open it and tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
   
3. Press "Exit". Important: Make sure no files are synced when you exit. If some files are being synced, wait for it to complete. When you see "Everything is up to date", you can proceed with the uninstallation.
   
4. Open the Start menu, start typing “Control Panel” and open it.
   
5. Press "Programs".
   
6. Tap "Programs and Features".
   
7. Find Google Drive File Stream, right click on it and press “Uninstall”.
   

How to Uninstall Google Drive File Stream on a Mac

Here are the steps to uninstall Google Drive File Stream on a Mac device:

1. Find the Google Drive file stream in the navigation bar in the upper right corner.
   
2. Tap the three dots, then tap "Exit."
   
3. Navigate to the Applications folder and locate the application.
   
4. Right-click on it and press "Move to Trash".

If you've completed these steps and you see a notification that some app extensions are in use, follow the steps below:

1. Tap the Apple icon.
   
2. Select "System Preferences".
   
3. Tap "Extensions".
   
4. Press "Finder".
   
5. Uncheck the box next to "Google Drive File Stream".
   
6. Return to the app and tap "Move to Trash".
   
7. Enter your password if required, and the app will be uninstalled.
   

Google Drive is out

Different methods of uninstalling Google Drive are available and depend on the platform you are using. Learning how to uninstall Google Drive can be useful whether or not you plan to reinstall it. Best of all, Google Drive doesn't delete synced files when you uninstall it, so you can access it anytime.

Have you ever tried uninstalling Google Drive? Did you use any of the methods mentioned in the article? Tell us in the comments section below.