NEWS  Google  November 29, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Google Drive users are raising concerns over potential data loss as Google acknowledges and investigates "sync issues" affecting its desktop version. The alarm was first sounded on the Google Drive forums when a user reported the sudden disappearance of months' worth of data, reverting files to a state from May 2023. Other users soon echoed similar grievances, with one lamenting the loss of vital work spanning the last 1-2 years.

Google has addressed the issue on the Google Drive help forums, acknowledging the problem with a post titled "Drive for desktop (v84.0.0.0 - 84.0.4.0) Sync Issue." The post reassures users that they are actively investigating the matter and will provide updates. However, it also issues a cautionary list of actions not to take during the investigation, including refraining from disconnecting accounts and avoiding deletion or movement of the app data folder.

The complexity of the situation arises from Google Drive for Desktop having two distinct modes of operation. The traditional "mirroring" mode, akin to Dropbox, keeps local copies of files on the user's hard drive. In contrast, the default "File Stream" mode primarily relies on cloud storage, with only shortcuts to files stored on the computer. In this mode, files are often removed from the local drive, raising concerns about potential data loss.

This incident adds to a challenging year for Google Drive, which faced backlash earlier for attempting to impose a hard cap on file counts, a decision that was later reversed due to negative press coverage. The move had caught businesses off guard, highlighting a lack of communication from Google about significant changes to its service. These challenges come at a time when users are increasingly relying on paid Google One and Google Workspace accounts for additional storage, emphasizing the need for a reliable and responsible cloud storage provider.

As Google works to resolve the reported sync issues, affected users are advised to exercise caution and follow the provided guidelines to preserve any possible file cache on their devices. The incident underscores the importance of robust data protection measures, especially for users entrusting critical business and personal files to cloud storage services.

 COVER IMAGE BY STANDRET ON FREEPIK/REVIEW SPACE | DRIVE LOGO BY GOOGLE