This is one of those issues that causes a small but real amount of panic when it happens: you open File Explorer on your school computer and the Google Drive (G:) shortcut is gone. K12 Montana gets this call from school offices regularly - and the fix is straightforward once you know it.
Don't worry - your files are safe. The shortcut just needs to be re-established. Here are two quick solutions.
Click the Start button and type Google Drive. Click Open. Your Google Drive (G:) will reappear under This PC in File Explorer.
To make sure it stays visible, right-click on the Google Drive (G:) entry in File Explorer and select Pin to Quick Access. It'll now live in the sidebar for easy access.
Right-click the Google Drive icon in your system tray (bottom right of the taskbar). Click the gear icon, then Preferences. Click the gear icon in the top right corner of Preferences. Scroll down to Google Drive streaming location.
Make sure the Drive letter is set to G. Check the box for Show Google Drive in Quick Access in File Explorer. Click Done.
For super-fast access, click Start, type Google Drive, and select Pin to taskbar. From that point on, clicking the Google Drive icon in your taskbar opens it directly in File Explorer.
Before trying to fix a disappearing G: drive, make sure you've already gone through the initial setup of syncing your files to Google Drive. If that setup was never completed, that's the first step.
Running into recurring tech hiccups at your school? K12 Montana Inc. provides responsive IT support for Montana K-12 districts. Reach out and let us take it off your plate.