How to Prevent Downloading on Google Drive on PC or Mac

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This wikiHow teaches you how to restrict the downloading of shared files in Google Drive when you’re using a computer.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Go to https://drive.google.com....
    Go to https://drive.google.com. This opens the contents of your Google Drive.
    • If you’re not signed in, click Go to Google Drive to sign in now.
  2. Step 2 Right-click a shared file.
    A menu will appear.
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  3. Step 3 Click Share….
    You’ll see the Share with Others window.
  4. Step 4 Click Advanced.
    It’s at the bottom-right corner of the window.
  5. Step 5 Check the box next to “Disable options to download, print, and copy for commenters and viewers.
  6. Step 6 Click Save Changes.
  7. Step 7 Click Done.
    You’ve now disabled downloads for the selected file.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 21,912 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: May 25, 2021
Views: 21,912
Categories: Google Drive
Article SummaryX

1. Sign in to https://drive.google.com.
2. Right-click a file.
3. Click Share…
4. Click Advanced.
5. Check the box next to “Disable options to download…” 6. Click Save Changes.
7. Click Done.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,912 times.

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