Differences Between Google Drive and Google Shared Drives

Overview

Google Shared Drives (formerly known as Team Drives), and Google Drive are ways of storing data within G Suite. While these two storage options are similar in concept there are a few differences to be aware of.

Google Drive vs Google Shared Drive Differences
  Google Shared Drive Google Drive
Who owns files and folders? The team/group Individual who created the file or folder
Can I restore files? Yes, if you have the role of Manager, Content Manager, or Contributor in the shared drive. Yes, if you created the file.
Can I move files/folders?

Within shared drives: Yes, if you have the Manager or Content Manager role in the shared drive.

From Google Drive to Shared Drives:

  • Files: Yes, if you are the owner of the file and have Manager, Content Manager, or Contributor role in the shared drive.
  • Folders: No, this feature is not yet available.

From Shared Drive to Shared Drive: Yes, if you have the Manager role in both shared drives.

 Yes.
Who can add files? Any member with Contributor access or higher. The person who owns Google Drive.
What types of files can be added? All file types, except Google Maps and Data Studio reports. All file types.
Can I sync files to my device? Yes, using Drive File Stream client. Yes, using Drive File Stream, or Backup and Sync clients.
Sharing? All team members (at the shared drive level) see the same set of files/folders. It is possible to share at the file and folder lees with someone not in your shared drive for more granular permissions. Different people might see different files in a folder, depending on their access to individual files. It is also possible to share at the folder level inside Google Drive.
How long do deleted files stay in the trash? Each shared drive has its own trash. Only members with the role of Manager, or Content Manager can delete files. After 30 days, all files/folders in the trash are permanently deleted. Members with the role of Manager, Content Manager, or Contributor can restore shared drive content from the trash. Files in Google Drive trash folder are permanently deleted after 30 days.
Inherited permissions Permissions set on a specific file in Google Drive will be transferred when migrated to a Shared drive. Permissions at the folder level are passed down to files created in the folder.
Mobile device support Yes, Shared Drives are supported on mobile devices. Yes, Google Drive is supported on mobile devices.

 

Need additional help or have issues

For additional assistance contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646 or email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.

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Get Started with Google Drive
UA Google Drive is the University of Alaska's branding of Google Drive, an online service that provides resources for file storage, and collaboration with other individuals. Google Drive is a personal document and file storage hub. It's easy to upload, download, and share files. You can also create, view, and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides documents online.