When you attempt to install or upgrade Google Drive for Desktop (formerly known as Google Drive File Stream), the Windows installer checks specific system directories and registry keys.
Understanding the Google Drive Error The error message appears when you try to install or update Google Drive for Desktop on a Windows computer.
(Windows) Right-click the installer → Run as administrator .
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. When you attempt to install or upgrade Google
Even after rebooting multiple times, the installer continues to block you. This happens because the previous uninstallation failed to clear deep-level system directories, background active drivers, or residual Windows Registry keys.
Download the directly from the official Microsoft support website.
"A partially deleted previous installation was detected. Please uninstall and reinstall Google Drive to resolve the issue." This public link is valid for 7 days
| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Uninstall Google Drive properly (if present) | | 2 | Delete leftover Google Drive folders | | 3 | Remove registry entries (Windows) or preferences (Mac) | | 4 | Restart computer | | 5 | Reinstall fresh copy of Google Drive for Desktop |
Delete these folders if they exist:
If residual registry markers are deeply embedded or hidden, you can force the official installer package to bypass legacy configuration checks using a specific command-line argument. GoogleDriveSetup.exe -skip_version_check Use code with caution. Can’t copy the link right now
Download the latest Google Drive Setup file to your folder. Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator. Type cd Downloads and press Enter.
Navigate to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\ and delete the DriveFS and Drive folders.