Google Drive is a convenient cloud storage solution for accessing your files from anywhere. But when downloading large files, you may encounter issues like dropouts, timeouts or network errors.
In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, I‘ll walk you through the step-by-step process for achieving frustration-free downloads even for enormous files from Google Drive.
| Feature | Internet Download Manager | Xtreme Download Manager | uGet Download Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download acceleration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Browser integration | Yes | No | Yes |
| Video sniffer | Yes | No | No |
| Schedule downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Resume broken downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
"IDM sports the longest feature list and best all-round performance." – pcworld.com
I recommend Internet Download Manager since it leading in capabilities like pausing and resuming downloads even after browser crashes or shutdowns – essential for managing large file transfers from Google Drive without starting over each time.
Prerequisites
Before getting started, please ensure:
- Active Google account
- Access to Google Drive storage
- Latest Windows/Mac OS version
- Reliable high-speed internet connection (Ethernet preferred)
- Updated web browser (Chrome recommended)
The Google Drive desktop app, though optional, is recommended for reliably managing large file transfers in the background.
Step 1 – Locate Files in Google Drive
Sign into your Google Drive account on drive.google.com. Use the search bar or browse folders to locate files you wish to download.
Pro Tip: Leverage Google Drive‘s powerful search operators for superior file tracking
size:100GB– Finds all files roughly 100 GB in size
modifiedTime before 2016/10/20– Locates files edited before given date
`title contains "backup"“ – Searches filenames with "backup" text
Right-click each file individually and select Download. This adds them to the browser and Drive app download queue.
For multiple files, Ctrl+Click to select several before initiating download.
Google Drive desktop app will additionally prompt you to choose a local download location with sufficient free space:
Step 2 – Monitor Download Progress
The web browser displays real-time download progress and speed for each file in top-right corner.
Click upward arrow ▲ adjacent to a downloading item to access additional options:
- Pause/resume downloads
- Discard failed transfers
- Reveal/hide transfers from shelf
- Open file location after completion
- Check for virus scan issues
Use these to better control and organize large file downloads from Drive.
The Drive app also shows active, failed and past downloads with accurate transfer rates:
"Widgets let users view key metrics at a glance without having to open Drive" – support.google.com
Desktop widgets display real-time progress and pending jobs:
Step 3 – Configure Browser Settings
To complete downloads without timeouts or network failure:
Extend Chrome connection idle period
Under Settings > Privacy & Security > Site Settings > Additional Settings:
- Increase "Connection idle time" to 10+ minutes
This prevents Chrome from interrupting transfers prematurely if no data is exchanged briefly.
Set permanent download location
Within Settings > Advanced:
- Assign disk folder or external USB drive as default "Download Location"
Ensures successfully downloaded files reliably save to chosen destination.
Step 4 – Best Practices for Stable Transfers
For uninterrupted downloads even for 100+ GB files from Drive:
Use Ethernet instead of WiFi
Direct router connection via Ethernet cable provides consistent high speeds unaffected by wireless fluctuations.
Schedule overnight downloads
Pick hours with lowest internet congestion – late nights or early mornings.
Activate Drive app settings
- Enable
Continue retrying downloads on network failure - Check for updates automatically
- Start app on system boot
This automates recovery processes.
Double-check files post download
Match original and downloaded file sizes byte-for-byte. Play videos to catch corruption early.
Following these practices minimize hurdles for even 100 GB+ file transfers from Drive.
Step 5 – Fix Download Errors
Despite precautions, large downloads can still fail due to:
- Network instability causing transmission timeouts
- System/hard disk bottlenecks throttling speeds
- Power outages or forced computer restarts
- Drive infrastructure issues like server overload
Troubleshooting network errors
Begin troubleshooting when transfers fail consistently across multiple large files:
A. Check router admin console
Log into the router admin interface and inspect settings like WAN port link status, connected devices list, DHCP allocation etc.
Rebooting the router can clear transient issues:
$ ping drive.google.com # test internet connectivity
$ traceroute drive.google.com # check routing issuesB. Change DNS resolution
Faster DNS resolution reduces lapses between download chunk requests.
On Windows, under Adapter Settings > TCP/IPv4 > Properties, use CloudFlare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) servers:
C. Switch temporary internet mode
Toggle Windows network settings between metered and non-metered connection:
Metered option prevents background app traffic from interfering.
D. Disable security software checks
Temporarily switch off antivirus scans or firewall traffic analysis to remove bottlenecks.
E. Try downloads over VPN
Using a reliable VPN service can bypass ISP restrictions or network deficiencies:
Confirm with free trials before purchasing VPN subscriptions.
Other troubleshooting tips
- Pause active Chrome downloads before starting new Drive file transfers
- Clear accumulated Chrome browser cache
- Disable hardware acceleration in Chrome flags
- Close unused programs and browser tabs
- If on laptop, connect charger to avoid battery throttling
- Defragment hard drive if download storage disk is too fragmented
- As last resort, attempt file transfer on another computer
Security Best Practices
When downloading files from shared Team Drives or public folders, exercise caution:
🚧 Risk 1 – Malware infections
Download malware can cripple systems by corrupting the bootloader, firmware, BIOS and applications.
Before opening, scan extracted files using Windows Defender or trustworthy antivirus software like BitDefender.
🚧 Risk 2 – Data theft
Downloaded documents from unauthorized sources may feed data to cyber criminals.
🔑 Solution 1 – Virus scan integration
Enable scanning of Google Drive application data folder in antivirus tool settings:
Here Windows Security is configured to scan the Drive desktop app folder.
🔑 Solution 2 – Restrict Drive app permissions
In app settings, disable extension access to browser history, bookmarks etc:
This reduces exploit vectors.
Tips for Managing Drive File Transfers
🚀 Tip 1 – Organize before downloading
Inside Drive, place large files methodically into folders and rename where necessary before transferring to retain structure.
🚀 Tip 2 – Automate transfers
Use the Drive REST API and tools like Webhooks to automatically trigger downloads on remote file addition or hourly for batch jobs.
🚀 Tip 3 – Select best Google plan
Compare Drive plans across 3 tiers – Basic, Standard, Premium. Consider 30-day trials before committing.
For managed shared drives and maximum daily extract limits, Business Standard provides best value.
🚀 Tip 4 – Monitor usage
Keep tabs on daily API limits:
is:limit – quota overuses
is:uploaded – files added
size – storage occupied
Conclusion
I hope this end-to-end walkthrough helped explain everything required for reliably downloading even extraordinarily large 100+ GB files from Google Drive, overcoming timeouts, network issues and interruptions.
Leverage the various tips, tricks and best practices outlined above, and Google Drive can deliver smooth and fast transfer speeds rivaling dedicated cloud storage platforms.
Let me know in comments if you have any other questions!