Sync Network Folder to Google Drive Automatically (Freeware)

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• Can I sync network folder with Google drive?

• Google Backup and Sync alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard

• Step by step guide: sync network folder to Google Drive

• Summary

Can I sync network folder with Google drive?

“Previously, I can use Google Photos Desktop Uploader to sync network folder, but now, it’s disconnected. So, I just tried Google Backup & Sync and it does not allow me to add a network mapped drive as a sync location, saying, 'The network folder can only be synced in photos and videos mode.' or 'network folder will only be synced while mounted on your computer.'

This is totally unacceptable, since many users including me are storing photo libraries on NAS drives and still want to sync them with Google photos. How do I sync network drive or folder to Google Drive. Any kindly advices will be appreciated.”

As a matter of fact, Google Backup and Sync, which should now say Google Drive for desktop, does not have an option to sync non-media data from any network attached storage devices. Therefore, if you want to sync all files on the network drive, it's suggested to use the best free file sync software as an alternative. If the error you encounter is the second one, you may change the backup mode to “Back up photos and videos”, you can change it back and try again.  

In addition, you may encounter “An invalid argument was supplied” error or find “Add to my drive” missing. For the previous one, you can download Windows update KB4284848 to fix if your shared folder using SMBv1 protocol. For the later one, you can use "Shift + Z" to achieve the same effect. And the option "Add to my drive" has been replaced with "Add shortcut".

Google Drive for desktop alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard

Google Drive for desktop is widely used by many users to sync files and folders. But some users report it's error-prone when syncing the network folder with Google Drive. This is why you need alternative software. Here I strongly recommend Windows file sync software AOMEI Backupper Standard. It supports Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11/XP/Vista and works well in syncing network drive files to Google Drive. Also, it can be used for Dropbox sync network folder or OneDrive.

Schedule sync network files or folders with Google Drive. Here are 5 options for you, namely, daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, USB plug in, and the last two options are available on AOMEI Backupper Professional at least. Any of them can sync files you were selected and its changes later.

Many sync options. You can comment on the sync task for clearly distinguish, enable email notification to get results easily, create pre-command or post-command, and enjoy other options.

Other sync storage devices. You can sync network or shared folder to external hard drive, USB drive, different computer, cloud drive like Google Drive, etc.

Free and easy to use, even for beginners. This software has a clear interface and user-friendly design, so users can understand this software in a very short time. 

Step by step guide: sync network folder to Google Drive

Please note this software only works when your computer has Google Drive app. If not, please download it first and sign in your account.

Step 1. Download AOMEI Backupper Standard, install and launch it. Then, click “Sync” and “Basic Sync” subsequently on the main page.

More advanced ways to sync network folder to Google Drive: 
>> “Real-time Sync": This feature can monitor the changes of files you were added in real-time and sync them immediately when detected. This is very useful for users who modify files frequently or teamwork purpose.  
>> "Mirror Sync": With this feature, any newly added, modified and deleted files will be synchronized to destination while the newly added files in the destination will be deleted and changes will be undone. 
>> "Two-Way Sync": This feature will track changes of your files in both the source and destination directory, then compare with the other side and sync changes to the other side.

Step 2. Add network folder to be synchronized. 

First of all, click “Add Folder” in the following picture. 

Then, click “Share/NAS”. If the network drive is mapped to the local computer, you need to click "This PC" and select the mapped drive. 

Next, click "Add Network Location" and type the required info to add a network drive. The IP address, username and password are required and the display name is optional. After that, the network drive will be listed under “Network Location”, double click it and then select network folder or shared folder.

Tip: If you want to share files only with certain file extensions, such as, *.doc;*.xls;*.ppt;*.temp;*.bak;*~*temp;temp*, click the funnel-shaped button and directly type the file extension you want to exclude or include.  We call it Filter settings, before using it, you need to upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional.

Step 3. Click the Inverted triangle and click “Select a cloud drive” .

Then, select “Google Drive” and click “OK” to add it as destination path. Also, you can sync network folder to OneDrive, Dropbox, etc as long as you have installed them on the desktop.

Step 4. To track changes of your files and schedule sync network drive files to Google Drive, click “Schedule Sync” at the lower location and enable it. You can sync files on a regular basis, such as, daily, weekly, or monthly. 

In addition, you can set up sync options in the "Options". Please note the "Basic Sync" feature does not sync deleted files automatically, you need to tick "Sync the deletions in source directory to destination" manually if necessary.

Step 5. Click "Start Sync" if everything is OK.

Notes:
◕ Don't change the source folder name, otherwise, this software will not sync changed files or folders anymore.
◕ Except for syncing network drive to Google drive, you still can sync local folder to Google drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.

Summary

With the help of Google Drive for desktop alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard, syncing network folder to Google Drive is simple and efficient. The entire process is completed within 5 steps. Meanwhile, you can schedule sync files regularly, daily/weekly/monthly sync, or set sync options for it, such as comment, email notifications, etc.

In addition, it's also a Windows backup & restore software to protect data and system of your computer by its robust features, including file backup, system backup, disk backup, incremental backup or differential backup, daily backup, create bootable media, system restore, and more.

If you have an AOMEI account, you are able to backup files to AOMEI Cloud. Don't want to lose any data? Please download the freeware to have a try.