How to Fix 'Missing Drive Files on Desktop'? (Bug Fixed)

Missing Drive Files on Desktop?

Last Month several Google Drive users experienced a problem of missing Google Drive files. However, Google says the issue only impacted a 'small subset' of Drive users on the desktop who are using 'Version 84' due to a bug, Google has addressed this issue of missing files on Google Drive for desktop by providing a proper solution. 

Users are instructed to download and open the latest version of Google Drive for Windows or macOS. Afterward, they need to run the app's recovery tool by clicking the Drive icon in the menu bar or system tray, pressing and holding Shift, clicking Settings, and selecting "Recover from backups."

The recovery process will create a new folder named "Google Drive recovery" to store the recovered files. If users encounter problems, they can submit feedback through the Drive for a desktop app using the hashtag #DFD84 and including diagnostic logs. Additionally, Google offers an alternative method for data recovery through the command line interface, along with troubleshooting options. The issue affected a small subset of Drive users on desktops using version 84.

How to Fix 'Missing Drive Files on Desktop'? (Step-by-Step)

To recover files missing on Google Drive for desktop, follow these steps:

• Download the latest Drive for Desktop version (85.0.13.0 or higher) on your computer.
• Available for both Windows and macOS.
• Run the tool and open the Drive for Desktop app.
• In the menu bar or system tray, click the Drive for Desktop icon.
• Press and hold the Shift key, then click Settings.
• Click "Recover from Backups."
• Monitor notifications during recovery:
• "Recovery has started"
• "No backups found"
• If a backup is found, you'll receive:
• "Recovery is complete"
• "Not enough disk space"
• Free up disk space if needed and rerun the tool.
• Utilize the command line interface for a different recovery file path.
• Upon completion, find a new folder on your desktop named "Google Drive Recovery" containing unsynced files.

If issues persist:

• Submit feedback through the Drive for desktop app using the hashtag #DFD84.
• Check the box to include diagnostic logs.

Advanced: Recover Files using the Command Line Interface (CLI)

In addition to the UI recovery option, use the command line interface for more control:

1. Download the latest Drive for Desktop version (85.0.13.0 or higher) on your computer.
2. Windows users:
   • Quit Drive for Desktop.
   • Open a command prompt.
   • Run the command: "C:\Program Files\Google\Drive File Stream\launch.bat" --recover_from_account_backups
3. macOS users:
   • Quit Drive for Desktop.
   • Open the Terminal application.
   • Run the command: "/Applications/Google Drive.app/Contents/MacOS/Google Drive" --recover_from_account_backups
4. Monitor progress in the terminal and find recovered files in the "Google Drive Recovery" folder on your desktop.

Logs and Support

• After running the tool, check logs in the Drive for Desktop Logs folder under "recovery.txt."
• Submit feedback with "#DFD84" if issues persist; include diagnostic logs for efficient support.

Additional Troubleshooting Options for Data Recovery

Windows:

• Restore from Windows backup:
  • Open Explorer and navigate to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google.
  • Right-click on DriveFS -> Properties -> Previous Versions tab.
  • Restore to a version before the disconnection.

macOS:

• Restore from Time Machine Backup:
  • Open Finder, click "Go," then "Go to Folder."
  • Paste ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS and follow Apple Support steps.