Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1: What You Need to Know
Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services that lets you store, access, and share your files and folders across all your devices and the cloud. But what if you want to use Google Drive on your Windows 8.1 device? Unfortunately, Google has discontinued the support for Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 32-bit. This means that you cannot download and install the official Google Drive app from the Microsoft Store or the Google website.
However, there is a workaround that allows you to use Google Drive on your Windows 8.1 device. You can download and install the Google Drive APK file, which is the Android version of the app, using an Android emulator. An Android emulator is a software that simulates an Android device on your computer, allowing you to run Android apps and games on your PC.
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In this article, we will show you how to download and install the Google Drive APK file for Windows 8.1, how to use it, and what are some alternatives to it.
What is Google Drive APK?
Google Drive APK is the Android application package file of the Google Drive app. It contains all the code, resources, and metadata that are required to run the app on an Android device or an emulator. You can download the Google Drive APK file from various sources on the internet, such as [APKPure](^1^) or [APKMirror](^2^). However, you should always be careful when downloading APK files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or compromise your data.
The benefits of using Google Drive APK
Some of the benefits of using Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 are:
You can use Google Drive on your Windows 8.1 device even if it is not supported by the official app.
You can enjoy all the features and functions of the Android version of the app, such as creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings.
You can access your files and folders from any device and any browser, as long as you have an internet connection and a Google account.
You can share your files and folders with anyone, either by sending a link or by inviting them to collaborate.
You can backup your photos and videos to Google Photos automatically and free up space on your device.
The drawbacks of using Google Drive APK
Some of the drawbacks of using Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 are:
You need to download and install an Android emulator on your computer, which may take up some space and resources.
You may experience some performance issues or compatibility problems when running the app on an emulator, such as lagging, crashing, or freezing.
You may not get the latest updates or security patches for the app, as they are usually released for the official app first.
You may violate some terms and conditions of Google or the emulator provider by using the Google Drive APK file.
You may risk losing your data or account if the APK file is corrupted or hacked.
How to Download and Install Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1
If you want to use Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the Google Drive APK file from a trusted source
First, you need to download the Google Drive APK file from a reliable and safe source, such as [APKPure] or [APKMirror]. You can use any browser to visit these websites and search for the Google Drive app. Make sure you download the latest version of the app that is compatible with your device and emulator. You can check the version number, file size, and update date before downloading. Save the APK file to a folder on your computer that you can easily access later.
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Step 2: Enable unknown sources on your Windows 8.1 device
Next, you need to enable unknown sources on your Windows 8.1 device, which allows you to install apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store. To do this, go to Settings > Update and Security > For Developers and select Sideload apps. You may need to restart your device for the changes to take effect.
Step 3: Install the Google Drive APK file using an Android emulator
Then, you need to install an Android emulator on your computer, such as [BlueStacks] or [NoxPlayer]. These are free and easy-to-use software that let you run Android apps and games on your PC. You can download and install them from their official websites. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up the emulator and sign in with your Google account.
After installing the emulator, you need to install the Google Drive APK file that you downloaded earlier. There are two ways to do this:
Drag and drop the APK file onto the emulator window and wait for it to install automatically.
Open the emulator and go to My Apps > Install APK. Browse to the folder where you saved the APK file and select it. Click Open and wait for it to install.
Step 4: Launch the Google Drive app and sign in with your Google account
Finally, you can launch the Google Drive app from the emulator's home screen or app drawer. You may need to grant some permissions for the app to work properly. Sign in with your Google account and start using Google Drive on your Windows 8.1 device.
How to Use Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1
Once you have installed and launched the Google Drive app on your Windows 8.1 device, you can use it as you would on an Android device. Here are some of the things you can do with Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1:
Sync files and folders with Google Drive or backup to Google Photos
You can sync your files and folders with Google Drive or backup your photos and videos to Google Photos using the app. To do this, go to Settings > Backup & Sync and toggle on Backup & Sync. You can also choose which folders or file types you want to sync or backup, how often you want to do it, and whether you want to use cellular data or Wi-Fi only.
Open files stored on the cloud directly on your computer
You can open files stored on Google Drive directly on your computer using the app. To do this, go to My Drive and select the file you want to open. You can either open it with an online app, such as Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, or with a local app, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You can also download files from Google Drive to your computer by right-clicking on them and choosing Download.
Collaborate on Microsoft Office files in real time
You can collaborate on Microsoft Office files in real time using Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1. To do this, go to My Drive and select an Office file that you want to share or edit with others. You can either invite people by email or generate a link that anyone can access. You can also set permissions for who can view, comment, or edit the file. You can see who is online and what changes they are making as you work together.
Save files and folders for offline use
You can save files and folders for offline use using Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1. This can help you access your files and folders when you don't have an internet connection or when you want to save data. To do this, go to My Drive and select the file or folder you want to make available offline. Right-click on it and choose Make available offline. You can also see which files and folders are offline by looking for the checkmark icon next to them.
Alternatives to Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1
If you don't want to use Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, there are some alternatives that you can try. Here are some of them:
Use Google Drive for desktop
Google Drive for desktop is the official app that lets you sync your files and folders with Google Drive on your computer. It works on Windows 10, 7, and Vista, but not on Windows 8 or 8.1. However, if you have a Windows 10 device, you can use Google Drive for desktop to access your files and folders from any device and any browser, as well as backup your photos and videos to Google Photos. You can download and install Google Drive for desktop from the [Google website].
Use other cloud storage services
There are other cloud storage services that you can use on your Windows 8.1 device, such as [OneDrive], [Dropbox], or [Box]. These services offer similar features and functions as Google Drive, such as storing, accessing, and sharing your files and folders across all your devices and the cloud, creating and editing documents online, collaborating with others in real time, and backing up your photos and videos. You can download and install these apps from the Microsoft Store or their official websites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 is a workaround that allows you to use Google Drive on your Windows 8.1 device, even if it is not supported by the official app. You can download and install the Google Drive APK file using an Android emulator and enjoy all the features and functions of the Android version of the app. However, you should also be aware of the drawbacks and risks of using Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, such as performance issues, compatibility problems, security threats, and terms violations. You should also consider some alternatives to Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, such as Google Drive for desktop or other cloud storage services.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1:
Is Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 safe?
Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 is not officially supported or endorsed by Google or Microsoft, so it may not be safe to use. You should always download the APK file from a trusted source and scan it with an antivirus software before installing it. You should also be careful when granting permissions or accessing sensitive data using the app.
Is Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 free?
Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 is free to download and use, but it may have some in-app purchases or ads that require payment. You can also upgrade your storage space on Google Drive by paying a monthly or yearly fee.
How much storage space does Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 offer?
Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1 offers the same amount of storage space as the official app, which is 15 GB for free users and up to 2 TB for paid users. However, this storage space is shared with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Photos.
How do I uninstall Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1?
To uninstall Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, you need to delete the APK file from your computer and remove the app from the emulator. To do this, go to My Apps on the emulator and find the Google Drive app. Right-click on it and choose Uninstall. Then, go to the folder where you saved the APK file and delete it.
How do I update Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1?
To update Google Drive APK for Windows 8.1, you need to download the latest version of the APK file from a trusted source and install it over the existing app on the emulator. To do this, follow the same steps as installing the app, but choose Update instead of Install when prompted. 44f88ac181