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How to Add Google Drive as a Connected Service in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to link Google Drive directly to Microsoft 365 to easily access, open, and save files, similar to how OneDrive is integrated.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to add a third-party cloud storage service (Google Drive) as a native connected service within Microsoft 365 applications.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 currently lacks a built-in, native option to add Google Drive as a connected storage service within the Office applications.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer, as the most reliable workaround requires installing the official Google Drive desktop application.
Use Google Drive for Desktop to Access Files in Microsoft 365
Since native integration is restricted, installing the Google Drive desktop app allows you to open and save Microsoft 365 files directly from a local drive mapped to your cloud.
Microsoft limits native third-party cloud integration in newer versions of Microsoft 365 to encourage the use of OneDrive. However, you can seamlessly bypass this limitation by using the Google Drive for Desktop client.
This tool mounts your Google Drive as a physical drive on your computer, making it accessible through the standard Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder within any Office application.
Visit the official Google Drive website and download the 'Drive for desktop' application for Windows or macOS.
Run the installer. Once installed, open the application and sign in with your Google account credentials to authorize the sync.
Launch your Microsoft 365 app (e.g., Word). Click on 'File' > 'Open' > 'Browse' and navigate to the newly created Google Drive (usually the G: drive) to open your files.
To save a new document, click 'File' > 'Save As' > 'Browse' and select your Google Drive folder. Changes will sync automatically in the background.
Edit Microsoft Office Files Directly in Google Drive Web
If you cannot install desktop applications, you can manage and edit Microsoft 365 file formats directly through the Google Drive web interface.
Use WPS Office for Flexible Cloud Storage Integration
Unlike Microsoft 365, which restricts connected services to push its own ecosystem, WPS Office embraces flexibility. It is a free, lightweight suite that natively integrates with multiple third-party cloud services—including Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Enjoy full Microsoft format compatibility without ecosystem lock-in.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Go to Cloud Storage Settings: Open WPS Office. On the home screen sidebar, click on 'Open' and scroll down to select 'Add Cloud Storage'.
- 3. Connect Google Drive: Select 'Google Drive' from the list of available services, sign in securely with your Google account, and grant WPS Office permission to access your files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the ability to add Google Drive as a connected service?
Microsoft actively focuses on integrating and promoting its own ecosystem, prioritizing OneDrive and SharePoint for cloud storage. While older iterations of Office allowed for various native third-party cloud connections, modern Microsoft 365 versions removed these to streamline security and encourage OneDrive adoption.
Is there an official Google Drive add-in for Microsoft 365?
Google previously offered a dedicated 'Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office'. However, this tool was deprecated and replaced entirely by the 'Google Drive for Desktop' application, which provides superior, system-wide integration rather than being limited to just Office apps.
Can I still save files directly to Google Drive from Word or Excel without the desktop app?
Without the Google Drive for Desktop app, you cannot save directly to Google Drive from within the desktop versions of Word or Excel. You would need to save the file locally to your computer first, and then manually upload it via the Google Drive web browser interface.
