The only local folder on your Chromebook is the downloads folder. Everything else in on the cloud. However, you can sync your downloads folder to Google Drive too.
You do so to save storage space on your Chromebook. When it gets full, Chrome OS tends to slow down. Instead of powerwashing/formatting your Chromebook, here’s what you can do.
How To Backup Your Chromebook Downloads To Google Drive
There are two things that you need to do. Firstly, you have to create a new folder on Google Drive. And, secondly, you have to change Chrome’s default download folder.
Create A New Google Drive Folder
- Open the Chromebook Files app.
- Go to My Drive.
- Then, press CTRL + E to create a new folder.
- Name the folder Drive Downloads.
- Then, pin the new folder to the sidebar.
- Right-click the new folder and choose to Create Shortcut.
Change Chrome’s Default Download Location
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Show advanced settings.
- Look for Downloads and in the box named Downloads Location type the name to the new folder you created earlier (Drive Downloads).
That’s it! There’s also an option to choose where to save your downloads each time you download a file. Check the box or toggle to enable it.
This way, you can save files you need right away to local storage and save other files to Google Drive. Lastly, you can always move those files to the Drive folder at a later time.