Synchronize client-side encrypted files with Google Drive for Desktop on Windows and Mac OS

Quick summary 

Admins for select Google Workspace editions can update their client-side encryption configurations to include Drive for Desktop. When enabled, users can synchronize their Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides files with Drive for Desktop on Windows & Mac OS devices. Synced, encrypted files will appear as shortcuts on Windows and symbolic links on Mac OS.




Support for Mac OS users on File Provider will be introduced in a future release — we will provide an update on the Workspace Updates blog at that time.


Additionally, this also allows client-side encryption users in your domain to encrypt and upload local files to Google Drive.


Getting started 


Rollout pace 


Availability 

Synchronize encrypted files 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and 

Business customers Encrypt and upload local files 

  • Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers 
  • Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Education Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers