How to Fix Google Drive Not Syncing on Windows 11

Trying to fix Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11?

Google Drive allows users to store and access various files on different devices, such as pictures, videos, and documents. The 15GB data storage space and syncing feature are a huge plus for all Google Drive users.

However, there have been various complaints regarding Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11. This error can occur due to a number of reasons, including internal bugs or misconfiguration of the app and device settings.

The good news is, you can resolve this issue via several troubleshooting methods. In this guide, we have gathered some of the most effective and practical methods to help you solve this problem.

So, let’s begin! 

1. Pause and Resume Syncing. 

If you’re having trouble syncing Google Drive on Windows 11, the basic troubleshooting method to overcome this problem is to pause syncing. After a while, resume it to give a fresh start to the syncing process. 

Follow the steps below to do it:

1. First, select the Google Drive icon from the taskbar.
2. Then, go to the Settings icon.
3. Select Pause syncing from the list of options.

4. Wait for a few seconds to stop the procedure.
5. Next, go back to the Gear icon and click on Resume syncing.

This should fix the Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11 issue. 

2. Ensure Google Drive is Running in the Background. 

Google Drive automatically starts running in the background at startup. However, if you don’t have this option enabled on your PC, you may need to manually open the Google Drive app to allow it to run in the background. 

Here’s how:

1. Start by pressing the Window key from the keyboard.
2. Then, type ‘drive’ in the search bar.

3. Next, press the Enter key.
4. To confirm that the app is running in the background, click on the upper arrow icon from the taskbar. You will see a Google Drive icon.

Once the app is running in the background, the Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11 should be resolved. 

2. Allow Google Drive to Run at Startup.

If you don’t want to manually open Google Drive at startup to sync the latest changes, Windows gives the option to automatically run it at startup. It’s an easy method to keep Google Drive synced with your PC. 

Here’s what you must do:

1. First, press the Windows + i shortcut keys from your keyboard to open Settings.
2. From the left sidebar, click on Apps.
3. Then, select the Startup option from the right side of the screen.

4. Locate Google Drive and turn on the toggle next to it.
   
   

4. Relaunch Google Drive. 

Relaunching an app is another effective way to fix various issues within the system. So, if you can’t get your important data to sync via Google Drive, we recommend you quit the Google Drive app and relaunch it. 

Here’s how:

1. Start by clicking on the Google Drive icon from the taskbar.
2. Then, go to the Gear icon.
3. From the list of options, select Quit.

4. Next, close the app.
5. After that, press the Windows key from the keyboard.
6. Now, type Google Drive in the search bar.
7. Press the Enter key to open the app. You will see the app icon appear on the taskbar. Check if the syncing has started.
   
   

5. Ensure You Have a Stable Internet Connection. 

If you have an unstable internet connection, it might be the reason behind Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11. This is because a strong internet connection is required to sync any changes to Google Drive. 

Therefore, check the internet speed and change to another network to fix the problem at hand. To do so, here are the steps you must follow:

1. Go to Speedtest by Ookla.
2. Next, click on Go from the center of the screen.

3. Wait for a few seconds for the website to load. It will then show you your current internet strength.

If the internet speed is low, consider switching to a strong internet network. Then try syncing Google Drive files on Windows 11.

6. Check Google Drive Storage. 

Google Drive users receive 15 GB of free storage space that can easily be used up by Docs, Gmail, Slides, Sheets, Photos, etc. If you’re left with low storage space, the Google Drive app will stop syncing on Windows 11. 

So, check your Google Drive Storage by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Click on the Google Drive icon from the taskbar.
2. You will find the available Drive storage right below your email address.  

7. Clear Cache Files. 

Cache files allow you to retrieve data quickly the next time you launch the app. However, if there’s excessive cache stored in your device, it may cause various issues, such as Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11. In these cases, it’s best to clear these cache files to resolve the issue. 

Here’s how: 

1. Start by pressing the Windows + R shortcut keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Copy and paste the following command in the text bar and click on OK:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google

3. A folder will appear on the screen. Delete the folder named DriveFS.
   
   

9. Check Google Drive Bandwidth Settings. 

Another reason behind your files not syncing on Google Drive may be bandwidth settings. If you’ve put a bandwidth limitation, Google Drive will slow or stop syncing once it reaches this limit. Therefore, you must change it to allow Google Drive to sync again properly. 

Perform the steps below to change Google Drive bandwidth settings:

1. Open Google Drive from the taskbar.
2. Next, click on the Gear icon from the top right corner.
3. Then, click on Preferences from the list of options.

4. After that, go to the Settings icon on the top right corner of the screen.
5. Scroll down to Bandwidth settings and click on the box next to Download rate and Update rate to uncheck it.

6. Then, click on the Save button to confirm the changes and check if the issue has been resolved.
   
   

10. Disconnect and Reconnect Your Google Drive Account. 

As you log into the Google Drive app from your PC, you’re asked to give access to certain permissions. If you’ve accidentally missed out on giving these permissions, some features in your Google Drive app may not function properly. 

To solve this issue, disconnect your Drive account and reconnect it to allow your app to sync files. Use the instructions below to do it:

1. Click on the Google Drive icon from the taskbar.
2. Then, go to the Settings icon.
3. From there, select Preferences. This will open a new window.
4. Then, click on the Gear icon on the top right corner of the screen.
5. Next, select Disconnect Account and confirm the action.

6. Now, once again, click on the Google Drive icon from the taskbar.
7. Then, go to the Gear icon and click on the Sign in option.

8. Finally, log in with your Gmail account.
   
   

11. Reinstall Google Drive.

If Google Drive is still not syncing on Windows 11 even after using the methods mentioned above, we suggest you delete the Google Drive app from your PC and reinstall it. This will eliminate any system glitches that may interfere with the syncing process. 

Simply follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Run dialog by pressing Win + R keys. 
2. Next, enter the following in the search bar and click on OK:

ms-settings:appsfeatures

3. This will open Apps & features settings. From there, scroll down and click on Google Drive. 
4. Now, click on Uninstall.

5. At last, go to the official Google Drive website to reinstall the app on your PC. 

This concludes our guide on how to fix Google Drive not syncing on Windows 11. In case you have any confusion or questions about this topic, feel free to use the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help you out. 

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