Many macOS High Sierra users encounter an issue when trying to install Google Drive, receiving an error message stating: “Cannot install Google Drive in this location.” This can be frustrating, especially for those relying on Google Drive for cloud storage and file synchronization. Fortunately, there are several solutions to resolve this problem and successfully install Google Drive on macOS High Sierra.

Understanding the Issue

This error typically occurs due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Insufficient permissions for the installation directory.
• System restrictions preventing installation in certain locations.
• Conflicts with a previous installation of Google Drive.
• Corrupted installation files.
• Incompatibility between the installation package and macOS High Sierra.

Solutions to Fix the Error

1. Ensure Proper Permissions

One of the main reasons for this error is insufficient file permissions. To resolve this:

1. Open the Finder and navigate to the desired installation location.
2. Right-click the folder and select Get Info.
3. Scroll down to the Sharing & Permissions section.
4. Click the lock icon and enter the administrator password.
5. Ensure that your user account has Read & Write access.
6. Click the gear icon and choose Apply to enclosed items.
7. Close the window and try reinstalling Google Drive.

2. Install in a Different Location

Sometimes, macOS High Sierra restricts installations to specific directories. If the default installation location is causing issues, try installing in the Applications folder:

1. Download the Google Drive installation file.
2. Double-click the installer and drag the Google Drive app to the Applications folder instead of a custom location.
3. Launch Google Drive from the Applications folder to check if the issue is resolved.

3. Remove Previous Google Drive Installations

If a previous version of Google Drive is already installed, it might interfere with the new installation. To ensure a clean install, follow these steps:

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Find Google Drive and drag it to the Trash.
3. Clear Google Drive-related files from the following directories:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Caches/
4. Restart your Mac and try reinstalling Google Drive.

4. Re-download the Installer

Corrupted or outdated installation files can also cause this issue. To get a fresh installation package:

1. Visit the official Google Drive download page.
2. Download the latest version compatible with macOS High Sierra.
3. Run the new installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Create a New User Account

If file permissions and installation directories are not the issue, try installing Google Drive under a new macOS user account:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click the lock icon and enter the administrator password.
3. Click the + button to create a new user account.
4. Log out of the current account and log into the new one.
5. Download and install Google Drive from this user profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does macOS High Sierra prevent Google Drive from installing?

macOS High Sierra has stricter security measures that can prevent installations in specific locations. Additionally, issues like incorrect file permissions and previous Google Drive installations may interfere with the process.

2. Can I install Google Drive on macOS High Sierra using Terminal commands?

Yes, advanced users can use Terminal commands to grant proper permissions or delete conflicting files. However, using the graphical interface is recommended for most users.

3. Will reinstalling Google Drive delete my files?

No, reinstalling Google Drive will not delete files stored in Google Drive. However, any locally stored files that haven’t been synced may be lost if they are not backed up before uninstalling the application.

4. What should I do if none of these solutions work?

If none of the fixes work, consider updating macOS to a newer version, if possible. If an update is not an option, contacting Google Drive support for further assistance is recommended.