Tech Desk 
Jan 11, 2025
Google Drive, a renowned cloud storage service, has unveiled a highly anticipated Differential Upload feature aimed at accelerating file synchronisation on desktops.
Alphabet-owned Google announced this breakthrough on its Google Workspace Updates blog, highlighting how the new feature, differential uploads, streamlines file syncing for greater efficiency.
What Are Differential Uploads?
Previously, Google Drive replaced entire online files with updated local versions during synchronisation. With the launch of Differential Uploads, only the modified portions of a file are updated online. This reduces the need for full-file replacements, significantly enhancing synchronisation speed and reducing delays when accessing files across multiple devices.
Main features
- Faster synchronisation: Updating files now takes considerably less time.
- Efficiency update: Saves both time and bandwidth by limiting updates to modified file segments.
- Availability: Accessible to all Google Workspace users and personal Google account holders.
This feature don't require any user intervention to enable. It works automatically whenever files are synced, making it effortlessly convenient. While currently exclusive to desktops, users are anticipating its extension to mobile platforms.
This significant update aligns with Google’s ongoing focus on enhancing Drive’s functionality. Recent updates, such as the ability to instantly stream uploaded videos, explains Google’s dedication to improving user experiences.
With differential uploads, Google Drive takes a substantial leap forward in convenience and performance, catering to both professional and personal users.
