Meet the New Google Drive

Although Google launched the New Drive in June, many people have chosen to stay with old Google Drive. Therefore, I wanted to introduce the New Google Drive so you are prepared to use it when the Old Drive is no longer available.

If you are just introducing your students to Google Drive, I recommend having them use the New Google Drive so they do not have to learn one and then switch.


The New Google Drive is the same Google Drive with some different words and look. One reason for switching to the new drive is that it works faster. Other features of the New Google Drive allow you to:

• Create, add, or upload a file with a single button.
• Find and add files shared with you more easily.
• Single-click a file to select it and double click a file to open it.
• Drag-and-drop files and folders you like on your desktop.

In addition, the New Google Drive has improved accessibility.

Get the New Google Drive

To get the New Google Drive, click on the Settings menu and choose Experience the new Drive

New Features with Google Drive 

Although there are more new features, I decided to highlight the ones that have had the most impact on me and the teachers I support.

New Google Drive Home Page
One of the most noticeable changes is on the Home Page. The folders icons have been minimized and take up a lot less space.

The New Button

The "Create Menu" is now called the "New" button. You take the same actions with the "New" button as you did with the "Create Menu."

"Shared with Me" is now "Incoming"

The "Shared with me" menu has been renamed to "Incoming." This is where you will locate files that you have access to but are not the owner.

The Old Drive

The New Drive

New Additional Way to "Move to" Folder

When you have a file open, there is now a folder next to the name of the folder. You can click that folder in order move the file to a different folder.

New Method to Add Files to Your Drive

The option to add a file to your Drive is now moved from the top of the page of the actual file. To add a file to your Drive, move your cursor over the right side of the file in the "Incoming" and click on the Drive folder icon that appears.

New "Show Link" icon

Now you can easily access the Link to Share by selecting the file and clicking on the "Show link" icon located at the top right. You are able to copy the link to share to send to other users, and you can access the file's sharing settings to change permissions.

Just like with any change, it takes a while to get used to it. However, the faster speed makes the change worth it.