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How to Share the Google Drive Folder with Non-Gmail Users
You don’t need a Gmail account to view other people’s Google Drive files
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Google Driveis one of the world’s foremostcloud storage services. Its users will sometimes need to share folders or single files in their GD cloud storage.
Therefore,Google Driveincludes aShareoption you can select to share folders via links or email attachments with other users.
Can I share Google Drive with non-Gmail users?
Some users might assume they can only share GD folders and files with Gmail users who have Google accounts.
However, you can also share GD folders with users who don’t utilize Gmail or any other Google apps for that matter.
When you do so, non-Gmail users will be able to view shared files without signing in to Google.
How do I share a Google Drive folder with someone who doesn’t have Gmail?
1. Select the Anyone with link option for link sharing
Thereafter, the user who receives the link for the shared file will be able to view it without signing into a Google Gmail account.
However, bear in mind that selecting theAnyone with the linkoption for non-Gmail users will make the file available to users outside your domain.
If you want tocustomize your Windows 10 context menu, check out our dedicated article.
2. Share a Google Drive folder via email
1. First, open your Google Drive page.
2.Right-click a folder or file to share to open the context menu shown directly below.
3.Select theShareoption on the context menu, which will open the sharing options directly below.
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Next, enter the non-Gmail email address of a user to share the file with in theAdd peoplebox.
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Enter some text in the Message box to tell the other user you’ve attached a shared file.
6.Click theSendbutton when you finish writing the message.
7.Click theShare anywayoption to confirm.
8.Thereafter, the user you sent the attachment to will receive an email like the one shown in the shot directly below.
The email says that it grants access to the attached item without a login required. So, the user can click theOpenbutton to view the folder’s files without needing to sign in to Google.
If you are looking toshare a Google Drive folder with someone who doesn’t have Gmail, you can send the folder or file as an email attachment. The recipient will receive a link with which he will be able to access the Google Drive folder without having to log in to a Gmail account.
We also have an article to help youimport old emails to your Gmail account, if you need the information.
So, you don’t need to ask non-Gmail users to set up Google accounts before sharing GD folders or files with them.
Instead, share your files with non-Gmail users with either of the quick and straightforward methods above.
More about the topics:Google Drive
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.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
