2 Google Drive Settings You Should Change Right Now

Google Drive is powerful, but most people use it with the default settings—and that can open the door to security risks or just plain frustration. If you’re using Drive for work, school, or personal projects, a few quick tweaks can make a big difference.

Here are two Google Drive settings you should change right now to protect your data and streamline your workflow.

1. Stop Sharing Files by Accident

The Problem:
When you share a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide, Drive often gives you the option to “Anyone with the link can view.” That sounds convenient—but it also means anyone who gets that link (even accidentally) can access your file.

The Fix:
Tighten your sharing settings:

1. Go to Google Drive
2. Click the gear icon (top right) → Settings
3. Click Manage Apps
4. Under Sharing, uncheck “Make newly created files visible to anyone with the link” if it’s enabled.
5. Also, when sharing individual files or folders, always choose “Restricted” unless you have a clear reason to do otherwise.

Bonus Tip:
Review your shared files. In Drive’s search bar, type:
to:everyone or shared with: to see what you’ve made public.

2. Disable Offline Access on Shared or Public Devices

The Problem:
Google Drive can be accessed offline—which is great, unless you’ve enabled it on a public or shared computer. That can leave your files vulnerable even when you’re not online.

The Fix:
Check and disable offline access on any device you don’t fully control:

1. On the device in question, go to Google Drive
2. Click the gear icon → Settings
3. Scroll down to Offline
4. Uncheck “Create, open and edit your recent Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files on this device while offline”

This keeps your Drive data safe if you’re logging in from a library computer, a friend’s laptop, or a shared office space.

Final Thought

Google Drive is secure if you use it carefully. These two settings—managing your file sharing defaults and controlling offline access—are small changes that can save you from big headaches.

Make the tweaks now. Thank yourself later.