Google Drive (G:) refuses to mount or open on Windows

 Issue

Google Drive for Desktop is installed, but the mapped drive (G:\) won't open. Clicking the drive shortcut in File Explorer may return an error such as "Windows cannot access \\...", "This location is not available," or "G:\ is not accessible."

 Cause(s)

This issue can have more than one cause:

  • Drive letter conflict – the G: letter is already assigned to another mapped network drive, USB device, or a previous Drive session, so Drive for Desktop can't claim it.
  • Drive for Desktop isn't running, or failed to start correctly.
  • No internet connection, which Drive needs to establish and maintain the mount.
  • The local installation is outdated or corrupted.

Try the steps below in order. The first one resolves most cases.

 Resolution(s)

Free up the G: drive letter

Open File Explorer > This PC and check whether another mapped network drive, USB device, or leftover connection is already using the letter G:. If so, disconnect that device or reassign its letter, then reopen Drive for Desktop.

You can also assign Drive for Desktop a different, unused letter: click the Drive for Desktop icon in the system tray >> Settings (gear icon) >> Preferences >> Google Drive, then choose an available letter from the drive letter dropdown.

[Insert screenshot: Drive for Desktop Preferences > Google Drive drive-letter setting]

Restart Google Drive for Desktop

  1. On your computer, open Google Drive for Desktop.
  2. In the system tray (bottom-right corner), click the Settings gear icon >> Quit.
  3. Reopen Drive for Desktop.

Restart your computer

A reboot clears up most transient mounting issues, especially after a Windows or Drive update.

Check your network connection

Drive for Desktop needs an active internet connection to mount and sync. Confirm you're connected before trying the next step.

Reinstall Google Drive for Desktop

 Reinstalling forces Drive for Desktop to resync your entire library from the cloud. If you have a large amount of content, this can take a while and use significant bandwidth. Try the steps above first.

  1. Uninstall the current version.
  2. Download the latest version from Google’s official site.
  3. Reinstall and sign in again.
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