Share this article
Improve this guide
Google Drive Says no Connection: Why & How to Fix [8 Ways]
9 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Google Drivecan’t connect? If that’s the case, there might be something up with your overall connection.
So check that first with the Windows Internet Connections troubleshooter.
However, if you’re certain your overall connection is ok, these are a few potential fixes that might enable you to connect with the Google Drive app.
Google Drive has millions of users worldwide, but despite its popularity, thiscloud storageservice has its flaws.
Speaking of Google Drive and its issues, here are some problems that users reported:
How do I fix Google Drive refused to connect?
Solution 1 – Switch off the Windows Firewall
The first thing to note is that theWindows Firewallcan block software connections. As such, switching it off might solve the Google Drive no connection problem. This is how you can switch off the firewall:
Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows search box goes missing. Readthis articleto learn how you can get it back in just a couple of steps.
Solution 2 – Check Anti-Virus Software isn’t Blocking Google Drive
It might be the case that anti-virus software is blocking Google Drive’s connection.
As such, it’s worth checking your anti-virus application settings. As the settings vary greatly for each utility, no specific instructions can be given for this.
However, you should search for some firewall options in the anti-virus software that might enable you to unblock programs.
Alternatively, you could uninstall your anti-virus utilities via Programs and Features.
If you can then connect to Google Drive, it will be clear enough that the anti-virus software was blocking the connection in some way.
According to users, antivirus tools such as McAfee and Avast can lead to this issue, so be sure to remove them.
For the Norton users, we’ve got adedicated guideon how to completely remove it from your PC. There’s asimilar guidefor McAffe users, as well.
If you’re using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, consider getting one of thebest uninstaller software. These tools will remove all files related to a specific app without leaving any trace.
If removing your antivirus software solves the issue, you need to switch to different antivirus software.
You can find lots of options available, but there are a few things to take into account when picking thebest antivirus softwarefor your PC, including a good threat database, up-to-date shields, and browsing security and privacy.
It’s worth mentioning that there’s a quick workaround that can fix this problem for ESET users.
To fix the problem, simply open ESET settings and activateHIPS (Host intrusion prevention system).
After doing that, Google Drive should start working again.
Solution 3 – Remove the e-Rewards Notify Software
Have you installed the e-Rewards Notify software? If so, you should remove that software from Windows.
This program is known to disconnect Google Drive as it automatically configures your network to use a proxy. Google Drive doesn’t work with an authenticated proxy.
Note that e-Rewards also creates three new Windows services which you can switch off by entering ‘services’ into the Cortana search box and clicking Services.
Search for the e-Rewards services in the window shown directly below, right-click the services and selectPropertiesand then press theStopbuttons.
If a certain software is interfering with Google Drive, the best way to fix the problem is to remove it. There are many ways to do that, but the best one is to use uninstaller software.
In case you’re not familiar, uninstaller software is a special application designed to remove other programs from your PC.
In addition to removing the desired applications, this tool will also remove all files and registry entries associated with it.
This will ensure that the problematic application is completely removed and prevent any leftover files from interfering with your PC.
Solution 4 – Restart Google Drive Sync
Sometimes the easiest solution is the best one, and many users reported that they fixedUnable to connectmessage simply by restartingGoogle Drive.
To do that, you just need to follow these simple steps:
Keep in mind that this is just a workaround, so you’ll have to repeat it until you find a permanent solution.
Solution 5 – Create a new administrator account
According to users, sometimes this issue can be caused by your user account.
If youruser account is corruptedor not configured properly, you’ll encounterUnable to connectmessage in Google Drive.
However, you can easily fix that by creating a new user account. To do that, just follow these steps:
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look atthis articleto solve the issue.
After creating a new account, you need to change it to the administrative account. To do that, just follow these steps:
After doing that, switch to the new account and check if the problem with Google Drive still persists. Keep in mind that you might have to install Google Drive again on the new account.
Solution 6 – Run Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is one of the troubleshooters included in Windows.
This can come in handy for fixing software that isn’t working, as is the case with Google Drive’s connection error.
So it might help fix Google Drive, and this is how you can run the troubleshooter.
You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at thisstep-by-step guideto find a solution.
Solution 7 – Change proxy settings
According to users, sometimes proxy settings can interfere with Google Drive and causeUnable to connectmessage to appear.
Apparently, Google Drive has some issues with proxy settings, and if you have issues with Google Drive, be sure to turn offAutomatically detect proxy settings.
After turning off this option, enableDirect connectand your problem should be completely resolved.
Solution 8 – Reinstall Google Drive app
If you’re having problems with Google Drive, you might want to consider reinstallation.
Sometimes your installation can get corrupted and that can cause this and other Google Drive problems to occur.
In case your installation is corrupted, you can fix the issue simply by removing Google Drive from your PC.
To ensure that Google Drive is completely removed, we advise you to use one of the uninstaller applications we mentioned in one of our previous solutions.
Now you just have to install Google Drive again and your issue should be resolved.
Keep in mind that you need to install the latest version of Google Drive if you want to avoid this and similar issues in the future.
Those are some probable fixes for Google Drive connection errors, so feel free to try them all and let us know if they work for you.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Some of the best file sync tools are SyncBack, Easy2Sync, and FreeFileSync. See our complete list with thebest file sync tools for Windows 10.
More about the topics:Google Drive,sign-in issues
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
