Unable to upload files to Google Drive on Windows PC

Some users may be unable to upload files to Google Drive via the web interface on a Windows 11/10 PC. This is primarily because the web version of Google Drive is more susceptible to upload issues. This post will explore a couple of possible remedies to this issue.

Unable to upload files to Google Drive

The recommended troubleshooting for this issue is listed as follows:

1. Disconnect and Reconnect Google Account.
2. Restart/Reinstall Backup and Sync.
3. Disable Ad Blockers for Google Drive.
4. Split your file upload into smaller parts.
5. Check the status of Google Drive.
6. Use Private/Incognito window.
7. Clear Browser Data.
8. Use a different browser.
9. Make sure images are turned on.
10. Check your network connectivity.
11. Check issues with the file.

Let’s take a detailed look at these troubleshooting steps.

Before you begin, try signing out of your Google account and signing in back again. If that doesn’t help, you can now proceed with the solutions outlined below in no particular order.

1] Disconnect and Reconnect Google Account

Here, you’ll need to disconnect and reconnect your Google account to the Backup and Sync app.

Here’s how:

• Go to Backup and Sync by clicking its cloud icon in the taskbar notification area.
• Next, click the vertical ellipsis (three-dotted) menu icon > Preferences > Settings > Disconnect Account > OK.
• Once your account is disconnected, click the Backup and Sync menu icon again, and sign into your Google account.

2] Restart/Reinstall Backup and Sync

You can try restarting or even reinstalling the Backup and Sync app.

Here’s how:

• Click the Backup and Sync cloud icon in the taskbar notification area.
• Click the vertical ellipsis menu icon, then click Quit Backup and Sync.
• To reopen it, type backup and sync into Windows search and select the app from the result.

Alternatively, you can reinstall Backup and Sync altogether. To uninstall the app, do the following:

• Press Windows key + R. In the Run dialog box type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
• In the Programs & Features applet, select the app from the list and uninstall it.
• Download the app and reinstall it.

3] Disable Ad Blockers for Google Drive

Problems have been reported with ad-blocking browser extensions, which can sometimes block uploads or even block internet access for all your Google apps.

So if you’re having issues uploading files, try disabling or whitelisting the Google Drive website in your ad-blocking tool.

4] Split your file upload into smaller parts

Google is designed to handle individual files as large as 5TB (unless they’re Google file formats like Docs or Sheets, in which case they’re 50MB). So if you’re having issues uploading large folders to Google Drive – upload timing out or crashing, then explore the contents of the folder, select the files and upload each separately. Google Drive will queue them up automatically and may handle the files better.

5] Check the status of Google Drive

Head over to G Suite Status Dashboard to check whether there are any outages to Google Drive. If you see that Google Drive is down, then all you need do is wait for the service to be back up again.

6] Use Private/Incognito window

Here, open a private window in your browser and log in to Google Drive. Then try uploading the file(s) again to see if it works.

7] Clear Browser Data

Your browser saves cookies, cache, and other data to make it easier and faster for you to surf the web. However, sometimes this data can also create browsing problems, like being unable to upload files. In this case, you need to clear your Edge or Chrome/Firefox browser data.

8] Use a different browser

You might be experiencing this issue due to a temporary support issue with your browser or because your browser doesn’t support Google Drive. However, the latter is highly unlikely for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, IE, and Edge.

If you are using one of the browsers mentioned above and changing the browser fixed the upload problem, try updating your browser to the latest version. If that doesn’t help, then wait for the next version update that might fix this issue.

9] Make sure images are turned on

For some reason, Google Drive might stop working properly if images are turned off in the browser. You may be able to use it for editing and viewing data, but uploading and downloading won’t work. Refer to this guide to enable/disable images in your browser.

10] Check your network connectivity

It’s possible you’re encountering this issue due to your network connectivity if the files upload but terminates in the middle with a network error. In this case, restarting your router could remedy the issue. If that fails, try changing your IP address and also turn off the firewall.

Connecting via a VPN may also affect the upload process, so ensure your VPN is turned off.

If you are sure, it’s a network error, resetting your router (refer to your product guide) might fix this.

11] Check issues with the file

Here, try uploading three types of files separately and see if they upload. If the file upload is successful, it’s a problem with the file you want to upload. In which case, try changing the name and format of the file if possible – and making sure there are no characters in the file name (like ? < > / ) helps.

Also, if the file is huge – over 2 GB, then use 7-Zip to split the file, then upload and see if that works.

That’s it, folks! Indicate in the comments section below if you’re having upload issues with the desktop or mobile version of Google Drive.

Why can’t I upload documents to Google Drive?

First, check if your file is corrupt by opening it. If you can see the content, then the document is not corrupt. Second, ensure you have permission to upload the document if you are attempting to upload it to a shared folder. Lastly, if you cannot sync your files using the desktop app, check if you need an update. Sometimes software update is essential to ensure file upload happens without any issue.

Why does upload fail to Google Drive?

Google Drive is an online storage solution, and like any other service, it has its limitation. If you are uploading a large file, e.g., a video file, which exceeds the upload limit, the upload will fail. If that is not the case, you need to check if the PC has an internet issue even if it’s connected to a working internet. Lastly, ISPs are known to block file uploads, and you may want to use a VPN with enough data plan to upload large files. If nothing works, it’s best to connect with the Google One support team.