Google Drive allows users to save and distribute data across multiple devices using a popular cloud storage solution. Google Drive Sync folder may occasionally not work or function properly on a Mac computer running the latest MacOS Ventura operating system update installed, though.
We’ll examine some of the typical remedies for this issue in this blog post.
How to Troubleshoot and Possibly Fix Google Drive Folder Not Working on Mac Computer with MacOS Ventura

Users are unable to drag files to the Google Drive sync folder on macOS Ventura devices. They encounter error code 36 with an error message similar to this:
“The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)”

Here’s how to troubleshoot the cloud storage issue and help you fix the Google Drive folder not working problem on MacBook, Mac Mini or iMac devices with installed macOS Ventura latest update.
Check the Google Drive Settings
Checking the Google Drive settings is one way to resolve Google Drive issues on Mac. Making sure the stream option is used rather than mirroring is crucial. The steps are as follows:
- Start your Mac and Google Drive.
- On the screen’s upper left corner, click Drive.
- Preferences can then be chosen by clicking Settings.
- Ascertain that the stream option is chosen.
The Google Drive files will be streamed on demand if you choose this option rather than having them synchronized locally to your Mac. This helps conserve disk space and prevents conflicts with other files on your computer.
Use Drive for Desktop on macOS

Utilizing Google Drive app for desktop on macOS is an additional remedy for Google Drive not working or functioning on Mac. Syncing, uploading and accessing files with Google Drive- or Google Photos-backed up devices or folders requires permission.
You can sign in using your real-time presence or a Bluetooth key. In System Preferences, the privacy settings can be modified if access is first prohibited.
- To use Drive for desktop on macOS, follow these steps:
- For your Mac’s desktop, download and install Drive.
- Access Google Drive on your computer by logging in.
- Obtain authorization to access Google Drive or Google Photos-backed-up folders or devices.
- If a Bluetooth key is needed, use real-time presence.
- If you’re denied access, adjust the privacy options in System Preferences.
Drive for desktop on macOS enables you to access your Google Drive files and folders directly from your Mac, making a web browser unnecessary.
Adjust Location Services
Location services may occasionally be the cause of Google Drive issues on Mac. Open System Settings, then select Privacy & Security > Location Services to change location services. Next, locate the app whose widget is having issues and switch the settings.
To modify the locational assistance settings on your MacOS gadget, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Select Privacy & Security from System Preferences by clicking on it.
- Locate services by clicking on it.
- Locate the app whose widget is having issues, then change the settings there.
If Google Drive is not working correctly on your Mac, adjusting the location services settings may fix the issue.
Restart Your Mac and Reconnect Google Drive Account
Last but not least, rebooting your Mac and disconnecting and rejoining your Google Drive account can also assist. The steps are as follows:
- Save your work before closing all open applications.
- The Apple menu icon will exist within the top-left section of the display.
- Click Restart.
- After your Mac restarts, open Google Drive and log in to your account.
You might be able to resolve any momentary issues that were keeping Google Drive from functioning on your Mac by restarting your computer and connecting your Google Drive account.
Wrapping It Up
Google Drive stands as an esteemed web-based data safekeeping platform, allowing users to secure and transmit their data among diverse contraptions. Google Drive may occasionally not function properly on a Mac running MacOS Ventura, though.
You may be able to resolve any problems that are keeping Google Drive from functioning on your Mac by using the remedies suggested in this blog post. To ensure peak performance, keep your Mac and Google Drive updated at all times.