Google Drive Offline from the Web - Storage location and details

[jjones223344]

When you enable offline drive in the chrome browser it seems by default it makes recent files available automatically.  I need to know how much data it makes available offline by default when you enable offline access.

Then where is the actual data stored?  I've seen generic answers just saying it's cached, but where is it actually located on the machine?

[ppagare53]

To adjust the storage limit for offline access in Google Drive on Chrome, you can follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Settings" gear icon in the top-right corner of your Google Drive.
2. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Offline" section.
4. Choose the desired storage limit for offline access, ranging from 100MB to 5GB.

The data that is synced for offline use is stored in the "Chrome cache" folder on your computer's hard drive. However, the exact location of this folder may vary depending on your operating system. Generally, on Windows, it can be found at C:\Users[username]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache, on Mac at /Users/[username]/Library/Caches/Google/Chrome/Default/Cache, and on Linux at ~/.cache/google-chrome/Default/Cache.

It's important to note that the data stored in the cache is not easily accessible as it's stored in a proprietary format that's specific to Google Chrome. If you need to access the actual files, you may use a third-party tool to extract them from the cache, but this can be complicated and is not recommended for most users.

[nealkashyap]

I have seen the location at a different place in Windows 10 and 11

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS

[yogigolle]

Can I change the storage location of the cache? e.g. , my local 😧 drive has more available space the C:

[KAM]

@yogigolle yes, you can change the cache.  For a PC, click on the taskbar icon for Google Drive for Desktop.  Go to Offline Files and then go to the tab, "Go to cache settings" and change the Local cached files directory option.  HTH, KAM

[ppagare53]

here are the links to the official Google support pages for adjusting the storage limit for offline access in Google Drive on Chrome and for finding the "Chrome cache" folder on your computer's hard drive:

• Adjusting offline storage settings: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375012?hl=en
• Finding the cache folder: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95582?hl=en

These pages provide additional information and instructions on the topic.

[mmplx]

> it's important to note that the data stored in the cache is not easily accessible as it's stored in a proprietary format that's specific to Google Chrome

Is it encrypted? I'm concerned about how safe having documents offline is. For example, in macOS ~/Library is not specially protected and may be accessed by some rogue app.

[MAK01]

Concern about Residual Google Drive File Occupying Significant Disk Space.

Dear Google Cloud Community,

I recently uninstalled Google Drive from my system but noticed a significant residual file located at`C:\Users\Name\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS\116516094708094896350\content_cache\d22\d120\1630`, occupying 3.5 GB of space. Could you please provide guidance on the purpose of this file and whether it is safe to delete it without affecting my system's functionality?

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,
Mak

The image shows the properties window of a file named '1630', located in 'C:\Users\Name\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS\116516094708094896350\content_cache\d22\d120'. The file size is 3.5 GB, with creation, modification, and access dates displayed. This file lacks an extension and appears to be part of Google Drive's offline content cache.

[KAM]

@MAK01 It's the cache for Google Drive.  You can delete it.  It's unusable without the App due to a proprietary format and encrypted to my knowledge.  -KAM