[Solved] Google Drive Not Syncing

As a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google, Google Drive allows you to save files online and access them easily. But sometimes problems like not syncing arise. If you’re encountering this issue, don’t worry. You’re definitely not alone. In this article, we’ll guide you to fix the Google Drive not syncing issue.

Try these fixes:

You might not need to try them all; simply work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Run Backup and Sync as an administrator
2. Disconnect and reconnect your Google Drive account
3. Pause and resume Backup and Sync
4. Restart Backup and Sync
5. Allow your apps through Windows Firewall
6. Upgrade your Google storage
7. Reinstall Backup and Sync

Fix 1: Run Backup and Sync as an administrator

Granting an application with administrative rights can solve many issues. So to fix the Google Drive not syncing issue, the first step you’re recommended to take is to run the application, Backup and Sync from Google as administrator.

Here’s how you can do this:

1) In the Searchbox, type backup and sync. Right-click on Backup and Sync from Google from the results and select Run as administrator.

Now you’re running it as an administrator. Check if this does the trick. If it does, you can always run it as administrator by following the steps below:

1) In the Searchbox, type backup and sync. Right-click on Backup and Sync from Google from the results and select Open file location.

2) When the window appears, right-click on Backup and Sync from Google and select Properties.

3) Select the tab Compatibility and check the box Run this program as an administrator. Then click Apply > OK.

After applying the changes, the issue should be resolved. If not, don’t worry. You can move on to the next fix.

Fix 2: Disconnect and reconnect your Google Drive account

When your Google Drive is not syncing, there is a possibility that your account is not connected properly. So you should try disconnecting and reconnecting it. To do so, you can follow the steps below:

1) In your Windows taskbar, click on the Backup and Sync from Google icon.

2) Click on the three verticle dots iconand select Preferences.

3) From the left pane, click Settings. Then in this section, click DISCONNECT ACCOUNT.

4) Click DISCONNECT.

5) After this, you’ve disconnected your account.

6) To reconnect your account, simply click on the icon from your Windows taskbar and sign in again.

After you’ve signed in, try uploading your files again.

Fix 3: Pause and resume Backup and Sync

Uploading files, especially the large ones would take it longer for the server to respond. So you can pause it for a while and then resume the process.

1) In your Windows taskbar, click on the Backup and Sync from Google icon.

2) Click on the three verticle dots icon and select Pause.

After making these changes, the syncing would be paused now.

3) To continue uploading the files, repeat the steps above but remember to choose Resume instead of Pause.

If you’ve done these multiple times and still it’s not syncing, try the next method.

Fix 4: Restart Backup and Sync

Quitting and restarting Backup and Sync has proved to be working for many users. So here you can give it a shot.

1) In the Windows taskbar, click on the Backup and Sync icon.

2) Click on the three verticle dots iconand select Quit Backup and Sync.

After you’ve quit Backup and Sync for some minutes, sign in again and start uploading your files to check if the issue is fixed.

Fix 5: Allow your apps through Windows Firewall

Sometimes Windows Security may block your game from running because your system views Google Drive and Backup and Sync as unauthorized.

So if this is your case, you need to manually add them to the list of allowed apps to prevent them from being blocked.

To do so, you can:

1) In the Search box, type windows security and click Windows Security from the results.

2) Select Virus & threat protection from the left pane. Scroll down and under the Ransomware protection section, click Manage ransomware protection.

3) Switch the Controlled folder access setting to On. When a window pops up asking “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device“, click Yes.
Then click Allow an app through Controlled folder access.

4) Click Add an allowed app > Browse all apps.

5) Till then, navigate to the Google Drive and Backup and Sync installation files and add it to the list.

Also, if you’re using any third-party anti-virus software, remember to check the settings to make sure that Google Drive and Backup and Sync are allowed through the firewall.

Fix 6: Upgrade your Google storage

Every Google Account starts with 15 GB of free storage. So if you’re trying to upload files beyond your storage limits, the syncing wouldn’t be continuing. So if that’s your case, you should consider upgrading your Google storage.

There’re two ways to buy more storage: buy a storage plan or upgrade to Google One.

Buy a storage plan

You can buy more storage within Google Drive, with two plans you can choose from—$1.99/MONTH for 100 GB and $9.99/MONTH for 1 TB. Note that Google Drive storage plans are non-refundable but you can cancel your plan so that it doesn’t automatically renew. Also, you can downgrade your plan based on your need.

How to downgrade a plan:

1) Go to the subscription page.

2) Click the rate on the plan you want.

3) Click Subscribe.

4) Check your email for confirmation. At the start of the next month of your plan, the current plan will be downgraded to the one you’re choosing.

How to cancel a plan:

1) Go to the subscription page.

2) Under yoru current plan, click Cancel plan.

Upgrade to Google One

Google One is a subscription plan that gives you more storage to use across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. And with Google One, you get extra benefits and can share your membership with your family. For more information, visit the FAQ page.

Fix 7: Reinstall Backup and Sync

When your Backup and Sync app is not updated to the latest version or some files are corrupted, some problems like not syncing would arise. So to fix it, you should uninstall it and then download and install it from the official website.

To do so, you can:

1) Press Windows logo key and R together on your keyboard to open the Run box.

2) Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.

2) From the list, find the app Backup and Sync from Google and right-click on it. Then click Uninstall.

3) When the dialog box appears, click Yes.

4) After uninstalling the app, go to the download center and click Download Backup and Sync.

5) Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app and sign in again. After you’ve done all of these, you’re supposed to be able to sync your files.

So these are the fixes we’ve sorted out for the Google Drive not syncing issue. Hopefully, they work for you. If you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

By Sammi Liu

Greetings! I'm Sammi, and my journey as a content writer began right after graduation. While my initial academic focus was in Public Finance, I later pursued a major in English Literature. This diverse educational background has equipped me with a unique skill set that combines analytical thinking with a passion for creative expression.

My career path has led me to become a proficient content writer with a keen eye for research. Intensive training in Microsoft Office, coupled with a natural curiosity, has allowed me to incorporate design principles and advanced internet search techniques into my work seamlessly.

What truly sets me apart is my knack for research. I've dedicated time to mastering advanced internet search techniques, inspired by countless articles and video tutorials on the subject. This has transformed me into a seasoned researcher, skilled at uncovering reliable and valuable information.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I'm a tech enthusiast who stays current with the latest trends through YouTube. Listening to podcasts of various genres has been a hobby of mine, especially in every morning. I balance my professional life with an active one, enjoying badminton, table tennis, tennis, and yoga. On weekends, you'll find me lost in the pages of books in the local library or soaking in the beauty of nature on bike rides. I'm also passionate about culinary arts, frequently experimenting with recipes and crafting delightful beverages like smoothies.

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