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, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.