Overview
Google Drive for Desktop syncs Drive files directly to a user's local machine, which can result in sensitive company data being stored outside of managed cloud storage. Disabling it ensures files remain in Google Drive and aren't downloaded to personal or unmanaged devices.
Prerequisites
Super Admin access to the Google Admin console
Instructions
Sign in to the Google Admin console
Navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs > Google Drive for desktop
Toggle Allow Google Drive for desktop in your organization to Off
Toggle Show Google Drive for desktop download link to Off
Click Save
Note: Users who already have Drive for Desktop installed will lose sync functionality once this setting is applied. Their existing local copies of files will remain on their machine but will no longer update.