File storage

The Best Way to Store Your Files:

Your Files:

Why You Should Always Use Google Drive

Your Chromebook is a “cloud-first” device, meaning it is designed to work perfectly

with Google Drive. Saving your files to Google Drive is the safest and most effective way

to manage your work.

Here’s why saving to Google Drive is a non-negotiable best practice:

1. Your Files are Safe from Loss or Damage:

• Local Storage is Temporary: Files saved to your “Downloads” or “My files” folder are

stored only on your device. If your Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged, those

files are gone forever.

• The “Powerwash” Risk: If your Chromebook has a problem, the most common fix is

a “Powerwash,” which is a factory reset. A Powerwash permanently erases all local

files without warning.

• Google Drive is a Backup: Files saved in Google Drive are backed up on Google’s

secure servers. You can lose your Chromebook, sign in to a new one, and all your

files will be exactly where you left them.

2. Access Your Work from Any Device, Anywhere:

• Files in Google Drive are tied to your account, not your device.

• You can access and edit your work from your phone, a home computer, a library

computer, or a tablet—just by signing in to your Google account. Files on your local

storage are trapped on that one Chromebook.

3. Get More Storage Space:

• Chromebooks have minimal local storage. This space is needed for the operating

system, apps, and system files.

• Your Google Drive account gives you significantly more storage (every Google

account comes with 15GB free, and school accounts often have much more). You

won’t run out of space for your essential school projects.

4. Easy Sharing and Collaboration:

• Google Drive is built for teamwork. You can share a file or folder with a simple link.

• You can work on the same Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide with other students in real-

time. This is impossible with a file saved locally.