Downloading big files or folders from Google Drive can be frustrating: downloads fail partway, folders get split into several ZIP files, a virus-scan warning appears, or you see "Download quota exceeded" on a shared file. Each problem has a reliable fix. This guide covers the best ways to download large files from Google Drive, from the browser to Drive for desktop and Google Takeout, plus solutions to common errors.
Quick Answer
For a single large file, right-click it in Google Drive and choose Download; if you see a virus-scan warning, click Download anyway if you trust the file. For very large files or folders, install Google Drive for desktop, which syncs files to your computer and resumes automatically if interrupted. For your entire Drive, use Google Takeout.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browser download | Single files up to a few GB | Folders are zipped and may be split into multiple ZIPs |
| Google Drive for desktop | Very large files and folders | Resumes automatically, keeps folder structure |
| Google Takeout | Exporting all of your Drive | Creates archives you download later, can split by size |
| Make a copy (shared files) | "Download quota exceeded" errors | Copies the file into your Drive first |
Method 1: Download in the Browser
- Go to drive.google.com and find the file.
- Right-click it and choose Download.
- If a warning says Google cannot scan the file for viruses (this happens for large files), click Download anyway only if you trust the source.
Folders: Drive compresses folders into ZIP files. Large folders are split into multiple ZIPs (roughly 2 GB each), which download separately. Download all parts and extract each one.
Tips for reliability: use a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection, keep the browser tab open, avoid sleep mode, and use a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
Method 2: Google Drive for Desktop (Most Reliable)
- Download and install Google Drive for desktop from Google's website.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
- Open the Google Drive location in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Right-click the file or folder and choose Offline access > Available offline (or Make available offline).
- Wait for the download to finish, then copy the files wherever you need them.
Drive for desktop handles interruptions automatically and does not split folders into ZIPs.
Method 3: Google Takeout (Entire Drive)
- Go to takeout.google.com.
- Click Deselect all, then check Drive.
- Click All Drive data included to choose specific folders if you want.
- Click Next step, choose file type (.zip or .tgz) and file size (up to 50 GB per archive), then click Create export.
- Download the archives from the email link when ready.
Fix "Download Quota Exceeded"
Popular shared files can hit a download limit for a period of time. To work around it for files you are allowed to access:
- Open the shared file's link while signed in.
- Click Add shortcut to Drive or Make a copy (if the owner allows it).
- Download the copy from your own Drive, or try again later.
Troubleshooting
The download fails or stops
Try Drive for desktop, disable browser extensions that manage downloads, and check your free disk space.
ZIP file will not open
The download may be incomplete. Download it again, and use a tool like the built-in Windows extractor or 7-Zip for very large archives.
Download is very slow
Pause other large transfers, try another network, or download at off-peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a file size limit for downloads?
Individual files can be very large (Drive supports files up to 5 TB), but browser downloads of huge files are less reliable than Drive for desktop.
Why does Drive split my folder into several ZIP files?
Drive splits large folder downloads into multiple archives. Download and extract all of them.
Can I download from Drive on a phone?
Yes. In the Drive app, tap the three dots on a file and choose Download (Android) or Open in > Save to Files (iPhone).
Summary
- Right-click and Download single files, choosing Download anyway if you trust them.
- Use Google Drive for desktop for large files and folders.
- Use Google Takeout for your entire Drive.
- Make a copy to get around shared file quota errors.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.