Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage system that allows you to store Google Workspace files and also those created elsewhere. You can work collaboratively with others on files stored on Google Drive. It supplements your personal and shared filestore.
There may be some situations where Google Drive is not suitable.
This service is part of Google Workspace.
Key features
- Folders: organise and manage files.
- Shared drives: create files that everyone in your team can access, even if the original creator of a document leaves the University.
- Share documents with others: allow them to view, edit and collaborate in real-time.
- Store and convert: upload files created outside of Google Drive and convert Microsoft files to Google Workspace formats.
- Offline access: you can make files available for editing even when you don't have an internet connection.
- Access on the go: easily access your files on your computer, tablet or phone.
- Google Drive desktop app: synchronise your Google Drive files with your computer, and backup files from your computer.
- A mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Access instructions
Sign in with your University email address and password.
- Install the Google Drive desktop app on University managed Windows devices from the Software Center.
- For other devices, you can either download and install the Google Drive desktop app (support.google.com) or access it through the virtual desktop service (VDS).
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Available to staff and students
All members of the University are automatically given a personal Google Workspace account, which includes access to this service. You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.
App and web-based
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. This service also works in your web browser.
Funded by the University
There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.
Additional information
Files saved in Google Drive are stored in the cloud. This offers good access and security but may be unacceptable in some very specific cases (eg highly sensitive research data).
If you're using sensitive data supplied as part of a research contract, ensure that you are aware of the requirements of the data provider, who may not agree to datasets being stored or shared via Google Drive.
For more information, see data management for research.
Access instructions
Sign in with your University email address and password.
- Install the Google Drive desktop app on University managed Windows devices from the Software Center.
- For other devices, you can either download and install the Google Drive desktop app (support.google.com) or access it through the virtual desktop service (VDS).
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Google Drive support articles (support.google.com)
- Install Google Drive for desktop
- Moving files from OneDrive to Google Drive
- Moving files from Google Drive to OneDrive
- Moving folders from My Drive to Shared drive
Search all our guides and help
Training and best practice
- Training sessions for staff that cover Google Drive can be found on the Digital Skills training page.
- Google Workspace Practical Guide: Google Drive
- Google Drive Support Forum (productforums.google.com)
Accessibility
- Google has incorporated a variety of features to make its products usable by people with accessibility needs. Learn more about Google accessibility features and products (about.google.com).
- View accessibility conformance reports (about.google.com).
Contact for support
If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.
Service commitments
This service is part of Google Workspace. See Google Workspace: service commitments for related user responsibilities and policies.
We expect you to:
- Manage your documents, files and folders, deleting any that are no longer needed.
- Manage the ownership and sharing settings of your documents to keep them secure and only available to people authorised to access them.
- Transfer ownership of documents that will continue to be needed to a colleague upon leaving or changing roles.
- Only use Google Drive when it is appropriate to do so (eg highly sensitive research data should not be stored in a cloud-based file storage system).
- See our Policy for Google Shared Drives for full details.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Availability
- This is a live service, available 24/7.
- Check the status of this service and any planned maintenance (google.com).
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
- They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
- This service is part of Google Workspace. For full details of the support we provide, see Google Workspace: service commitments.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
- Google Workspace Service Level Agreement (workspace.google.com)
- Google Workspace services summary (workspace.google.com)
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024