How to Make a Copy of a Folder in Google Drive. You have to consider using cloud storage if you want to keep the files on your PC or Mac safe. Cloud storage providers like Google Drive allow you to sync files between your computer and a secure storage area online.
How to Make a Copy of a Folder on Google Drive
You don’t have to do anything special for Google Drive; it’s included as part of every Google account. However, if you build up too many files in your Google Drive storage, you may need to think about how to manage your files and folders. For instance, if you want to know how to make a copy of a folder in Google Drive, follow the steps provided below:
Moving or Copying a Folder in Google Drive on a PC or Mac
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Using the Google Drive App
If you have the Google Drive app installed, you can copy folders in Google Drive like normal. Just copy the folder in File Explorer (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) and paste it elsewhere. That is, it’s still within your Google Drive storage area. The files will be duplicated but remain in your Google Drive storage. However, this only works if you have the Google Drive app installed. If you don’t, you’ll need to use the steps below.
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Using the Google Drive Website
If you don’t have the Google Drive app installed, the easiest way to manage your Google Drive files and folders on a PC or Mac is to use the website. To be frank about this, you can’t copy a folder in Google Drive directly. Instead, you’ll need to duplicate the contents, then move the files.
Steps to move or copy a folder in Google Drive:
- Visit the Google Drive website and sign in.
- In the My Drive menu, locate the folder you want to copy or move.
- To move the folder, right-click the folder and select Move to, and then choose a new location.
- Now, double-click the selected file and press the “Make a copy” option.
- Allow time for Google Drive to duplicate the files.
- Afterward, select the duplicated files, right-click them, and select move to
- In the pop-up, create a new folder by pressing the New Folder icon and naming it using a similar name to the original folder.
- Once you’ve created the folder, choose that folder as the location for the duplicated files, then press the “Move Here” button.
Once moved, the files will appear in the new location as duplicated. You may need to re-share your Google Drive files afterward, however, as permissions won’t be copied as part of the process.
Better File Management on Google Drive
The steps above will allow you to make a copy of a folder in Google Drive. You might decide to do this if you want to move your file elsewhere. Alternatively, you may just want to add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows, giving you access to your cloud storage on Windows itself. If you’ve never used the service before, get started with Google Drive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a copy of an entire folder in Google Drive?
How to make a copy of a folder on Google Drive. Open your folder, and select all the files (Control + a or Command + a). Right-click and select “Make a copy. That will create a new copy of each of those files, right in the same folder, with a copy of their original file name.
How do you duplicate a folder?
Alternatively, right-click the folder, select Show more options, and then Copy. In Windows 10 and earlier versions, right-click the folder and select Copy, or click Edit and then Copy. Navigate to the location where you want to place the folder and all its contents.
How do I create a duplicate file?
Right-click the original file and choose Copy (Ctrl+C). Put the mouse cursor on wherever you want a copy to appear, right-click this area and choose Paste (Ctrl+V). Done! Your new Word document is saved and marked as a copy.
Can you transfer everything from one Google Drive to another?
Copy Files from One Google Drive to Another with “Copy to” Choose the source Google Drive. In the files list, select all the target files. Right-click on these files, and select “Copy to”. In the pop-up window, choose the destination Google Drive and click the “OK” button. Wait for the process to complete.
Why can’t I transfer ownership of a Google folder?
You can’t invite another person with a work or school account to take ownership of your files or folders. The person you invite to own the file or folder must accept your request to complete the transfer.
