Who is using Google File Stream?

[fiza]

Want to know if it's now time to look at Google File Stream again? We want to push staff to save more to the cloud and File Stream would be the ideal way. I know there were issues previously every time there was an update and the path changed.

 

Ideally want to make the existing Staff area on our File Server read-only and push users to use File Stream and saving in Team Drives.

 

What are peoples experiences of File Stream please?

[bald_pig]

Been using file stream here and my last place with no issues whatsoever? Never even heard of issues when updating.

[bossman]

@fiza

 

Been using it for over a year now without any problems....

 

Seems solid...

[hardtailstar]

We use it. Occasionally it drops out of 'My Computer' but double clicking on it in the start menu then adds it again.

 

No other issues.

[mavhc]

Did they fix the inability to make duplicates of google docs in File Stream?

 

Only other problem is can't upload to google photos.

[Danp]

We are playing with it, a few of us are using it to see if we want to move more to it full time. One of the biggest problems I have with it is when it updates to a new version, it needs a new shortcut, not sure if this is a File Stream problem or an RM () issue

[TwistedHelixis]

One of the biggest problems I have with it is when it updates to a new version, it needs a new shortcut

 

If you mean the desktop shortcut don't use it, just use the normal G drive in File explorer.

 

BTW we have been using it at 4 schools for over a year without any real issues.

[fiza]

I remember there was no way to stop users from installing File Stream away from school. Is this no longer an issue?

Not knowing the state of home PCs Malware/Anti-Virus etc was a concern with a mapped drive directly to Google Drive.

 

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We are playing with it, a few of us are using it to see if we want to move more to it full time. One of the biggest problems I have with it is when it updates to a new version, it needs a new shortcut, not sure if this is a File Stream problem or an RM () issue

 

I remember this being an issue a few years back and @Arthur coming up with a solution.

 

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Can you also now dictate the drive letter it uses or is it still stuck on G?

[bald_pig]

I remember there was no way to stop users from installing File Stream away from school. Is this no longer an issue?

Not knowing the state of home PCs Malware/Anti-Virus etc was a concern with a mapped drive directly to Google Drive.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

 

 

I remember this being an issue a few years back and @Arthur coming up with a solution.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Can you also now dictate the drive letter it uses or is it still stuck on G?

You can dictate the drive letter, there's an article on registry settings:

https://support.google.com/a/answer/7644837?hl=en

 

As for installing at home, I don't believe you can prevent it, but you can just restore data easily, so I can't see that being an issue.

[fiza]

You can dictate the drive letter, there's an article on registry settings:

https://support.google.com/a/answer/7644837?hl=en

 

As for installing at home, I don't believe you can prevent it, but you can just restore data easily, so I can't see that being an issue.

Restore data easily? Do you mean with revision. History or Vault or some third party backup solution?

[TwistedHelixis]

I remember there was no way to stop users from installing File Stream away from school.

 

I think you can do this using devices in G Suite

[jmak]

You can dictate the drive letter, there's an article on registry settings:

https://support.google.com/a/answer/7644837?hl=en

 

As for installing at home, I don't believe you can prevent it, but you can just restore data easily, so I can't see that being an issue.

If you can't prevent users installing at home, does that not open you to a risk of data leakage?

 

I should mention that I'm a fan and in terms of day to day use, it works brilliantly - much better integration with Windows than MS' own solution; just asking for interest and it's something to be considered when you're deciding.

[CHSGM]

Has anybody managed to figure out redirection? Been trying to redirect the Documents folder back to 'My Drive' but I am yet to crack it.

[TwistedHelixis]

How to restrict file stream to company devices - https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2019/04/control-drive-file-stream-wipe-cache.html

 

EDIT - apparently you can also remove access from devices in the list.

 

Has anyone got this setup?

Edited May 21, 2019 by TwistedHelixis

[bald_pig]

If you can't prevent users installing at home, does that not open you to a risk of data leakage?

 

I should mention that I'm a fan and in terms of day to day use, it works brilliantly - much better integration with Windows than MS' own solution; just asking for interest and it's something to be considered when you're deciding.

 

They could still log on via a browser. Or take a USB stick of data. Or print off a document and take it home.

 

Here at least, we provide laptops, so there's no incentive to install at home.

[fiza]

How to restrict file stream to company devices - https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2019/04/control-drive-file-stream-wipe-cache.html

I am currently looking at that too!!

You can install an Extension and also download an msi helper. Problem is that nothing works until I click the extension and authorise it.

I dont really want users to have to do this. As they are company owned devices there should be a way to force the sync without the user authorising it.

[bald_pig]

I am currently looking at that too!!

You can install an Extension and also download an msi helper. Problem is that nothing works until I click the extension and authorise it.

I dont really want users to have to do this. As they are company owned devices there should be a way to force the sync without the user authorising it.

 

You can import devices into the list, looking now.

[jmak]

They could still log on via a browser. Or take a USB stick of data. Or print off a document and take it home.

 

Here at least, we provide laptops, so there's no incentive to install at home.

Agreed, but they require deliberate acts each time a file is illegitimately acquired, whereas installation of file stream is a one off event and could be done by a user without understanding the impact.

 

Sounds like Google have responded to admins' concerns and fixed it [emoji846]

 

We also provide laptops and I don't see it as a major risk, just thought it was worth mentioning to someone making a decision...

[TwistedHelixis]

When I look in endpoint i have some devices listed but not all. Seems like some devices have just added themselves and some not

[fiza]

You can import devices into the list, looking now.

 

Yeh I imported my own machine but it doesnt start to sync until the user clicks on the extension installed on the PC and authorises it. That's the stumbling block as I would want to deploy it to over 600 machines. I don't want users to refuse authorisation.

Edited May 21, 2019 by fiza

[TwistedHelixis]

I think you can disable the need to authorise, otherwise how have some computers got listed in my system?

[fiza]

I think you can disable the need to authorise, otherwise how have some computers got listed in my system?

Would love to know how to disable the authorisation requirement.

[TwistedHelixis]

Would love to know how to disable the authorisation requirement.

 

Would that be devices management / setup / device approvals?

[mavhc]

If you install the extension via gpo, does it auto authorise?

[fiza]

If you install the extension via gpo, does it auto authorise?

No. It installs fine but still requires the user to click it and authorise.