If Google Drive File Stream does not work on Mac OS Big Sur, here is the troubleshooting guide that will help you fix the issue for good!
A couple of users have reported that they can’t access Google Drive File Stream after the Mac OS Big Sur update. Users instead see a popup window asking them to open Preferences > Security and privacy and allow the loading of the “Google Inc” software, but when they open it no software to enable appears. Uninstalling/reinstalling google drive file system does not work. Installing the beta versions of Big Sur does not work as well. If you have followed the instructions for installing google file stream. but you get a Message that says: “Please open System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane and allow loading system software from “Google, Inc.” Then, restart Drive File Stream,” continue reading to learn how to fix the issue.
See also: External Monitor Not Working on Big Sur?
How to fix Google File Stream not working on Big Sur issue
Please follow these simple steps to fix Google File Stream not working on Big Sur issue:
Step 1) Reboot your Mac into recovery mode. Here is how:
Power on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R. Let go the keys when an Apple logo, spinning globe, or other startup screen appears.
If asked, enter a password to continue.
You will know the startup is complete when you see the utilities window.
Step 2) Navigate to “terminal” and execute the following command: kmutil trigger-panic-medic -R “/Volumes/Macintosh HD”
(if your volume’s name has been changed previously, just replaced “Macintosh HD” with the new name).
Step 3) Reboot as usual, go to: Apple menu → System Preferences → Security and Privacy → General and allow extension
The above steps will disable all third party extensions from your MAC which essentially “reseting” and forcing it to allow the extension approval prompt again. Upon reboot, you will be prompted a warning message “Panic Medic Boot” which you may ignore. Just proceed with step 3 to allow all extensions and thereafter, your MAC will reboot again and hopefully Google File Stream not working on Big Sur problem will be fixed.
After reboot you’ll allow all extensions.
Did this work for you? Drop us a comment and let us know.
edcookson says
Thank you so much, after a month of frustration this fixed the issue perfectly.
Max says
THANK YOU!
apple.bee says
It worked. Thank you!
John says
The only thing that worked. Thank you!
Mara says
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! It worked perfectly! thank you thank you thank you
iPhoneGeeks Staff says
Hello Mara, you are welcome.
sourena says
Terminal is not accessible in Utilities. How can one launch it?
Nor says
For those stuck on step 2: The terminal can be started by select from the menu line at the very top of the screen. Choose “Tools”, then Terminal.
Buckaroo says
what’s the terminal command to undo this?
Buckaroo says
Hey I’d really like to reverse this as it’s had an adverse affect on my Mac. Can you share the terminal command or process to reverse this?
GH says
Buckaroo,
I’m not the author of this article, but you can’t simply undo this operation. You can manually approve the kernel extensions from System Preferences – Security and Privacy, as this command simply removes their prior approval.
Jinfei says
IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!! Thank you! Lifesaver!
Baga Defente says
Google Drive is causing a lot of kernal panics on my mac and I’d like to try this solution, but as long I;m on Mojave, the kmutil doesn’t work. I tried kextload, without sucess (doesn;t recognise the -R command, I guess).
Any thoughts how to do that on macOS before Big Sur?
Thanks!