How to locate missing or accidentally deleted files in Google Drive for desktop

A sync issue in Google Drive for desktop versions 84.0.0.0 to 84.0.4.0 caused havoc among users as several files went missing suddenly. To counter that, Google updated the Drive for desktop app with version 85.0.13.0, which not only fixes the sync issue but also introduces a new file recovery tool.

What is this file recovery tool in Drive for desktop?
The file recovery tool in Drive for desktop is a new built-in feature that allows users to run a complete scan within Google Drive and recover files that went missing for various reasons, including those lost due to sync issues in previous versions. This tool scans the drive, recovers missing files from backups, and restores them in a separate folder called "Recover from backups."

Here’s how to use this feature in Drive for Desktop:

Launch Drive for desktop:
Open the Drive for desktop application on your device. You can usually find it in your list of installed programs or applications.

Navigate to Menu Bar or System Tray:
Locate the menu bar at the top of your screen (for Mac users) or the system tray in the bottom right corner (for Windows users). The system tray typically houses icons for running applications and utilities.

Click on Drive for desktop Icon:
In the menu bar or system tray, find the Drive for desktop icon and click on it to open a menu or display additional options related to the application.

Press and hold the Shift Key:
Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.

Click on Settings:
While holding down the Shift key, click on the "Settings" option within the Drive for desktop menu. This key combination may unlock additional or advanced settings within the application.

Select "Recover from Backups" Option:
A submenu or advanced settings window should appear. Look for and select the "Recover from Backups" option. This feature is designed to help you restore files or data from previously saved backups.

Access the Recovery Feature:
Once you've selected the "Recover from Backups" option, you should now have access to the recovery feature. Follow the on-screen instructions or prompts to navigate through available backups and recover specific files or data as needed.

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