Top 5 Ways to Fix Google Drive Not Starting on Startup on Windows and Mac

Google previously offered two Drive apps on the desktop. Drive for consumers and Drive for businesses. The company eventually fixed the problem and released a Drive desktop app for Windows and Mac. If you’re having trouble opening Google Drive on startup, read on to resolve the issue on Windows and Mac.

The fact that Google Drive doesn’t open on startup defeats the whole purpose of using Drive for the desktop in the first place. You won’t notice your latest downloaded files showing up in File Manager or Finder menu. Before you think about setting up Google Drive from scratch, follow the tips below and start syncing Drive files on startup.

1. Open Google Drive services when connecting

Windows and Mac both offer an option to customize which apps and services open when you sign in. We’re going to start with Google Drive for Windows and then move on to the Mac app.

the Windows

You need to make changes in the Settings menu to make sure Google Drive opens on startup.

Step 1: Open the Settings app in Windows (use Windows + I keys).

2nd step: Go to the Applications menu.

Step 3: Select Startup from the next menu.

Step 4: Make sure the Google Drive toggle is turned on.

Mac

For Mac, you can open the Options menu from the dock and open Drive when connecting.

Step 1: Right click on the Google Drive app icon and select Options.

2nd step: Click Open on Connection and the app should sync files on startup.

2. Make changes from Google Drive preferences

Google Drive offers an option to open the app at startup on Windows and Mac. Here is how you can use it.

the Windows

In Windows, you need to access Drive from the taskbar and go to the Preferences menu.

Step 1: Click the up arrow on the Windows taskbar.

2nd step: Right click on the Drive icon and select Setting gear.

Step 3: Open the Preferences menu.

Step 4: Select Google Drive settings.

Step 5: Scroll down and activate Launch Google Drive at system startup menu.

Mac

The process is virtually identical on Mac. The only difference is that the Drive menu shortcut resides in the Mac menu bar.

Step 1: Click the Drive icon in the Mac menu bar and open Settings.

2nd step: Open the Preferences menu.

Step 3: Open the player settings.

Step 4: Activate the option “Launch Google Drive at system startup”.

3. Activate Google Drive from Users and Groups (Mac)

On Mac, you have the option to add Google Drive in the connection items menu. In this way, the system makes sure to open Google Drive on startup. Here is what you need to do.

Step 1: Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar.

2nd step: Open System Preferences.

Step 3: Go to Users and Groups.

Step 4: Drag to connection items.

Step 5: Click the + icon at the bottom and select Google Drive from the Applications menu.

Step 6: Select the Add button and macOS will add Google Drive to the list of connection items.

4. Manually sync Google Drive files

If you still don’t get the latest Google Drive files on startup, it’s time to sync the service manually. Here’s how.

the Windows

Step 1: Find Google Drive in the taskbar and click on it.

2nd step: Select the speed of the settings.

Step 3: Click Suspend Synchronization and resume the service after a certain time.

After that, Google Drive should sync the latest files.

Mac

Step 1: Click on Google Drive in the Mac menu bar.

2nd step: Select the speed of the settings.

Step 3: Suspend Drive services and wait for a while. Take it back and navigate to the latest Drive files from the Finder menu.

5. Use Task Manager (Windows)

Windows Task Manager lets you take a look at all the services running in the background and start at startup. Here’s how to use it and fix drive won’t start on startup in Windows.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager.

2nd step: Press the Enter key and open the app.

Step 3: Go to the start menu.

Step 4: Find Google Drive in the list and right click on it.

Step 5: Select Activate and restart the PC.

From now on, Google Drive should open on startup.

Access Google Drive files

If you still have the problem with Drive not starting on startup, you can opt for Web Drive to search and download files on PC or Mac. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below.