Update Google Drive Files Without Breaking the Shareable Link
Maintaining Shareable Links with Updated Google Drive Files
Upon uploading a revised version of a file to Google Drive, the previous iteration isn't automatically deleted. Google Drive permits the existence of multiple files sharing identical names. Consequently, a newly uploaded file receives a distinct shareable link, potentially causing inconvenience if consistent access is desired.
Fortunately, a straightforward method exists to preserve the original link for a shared file. Access your Google Drive account through a web browser. Locate the file requiring an update, then right-click on it and choose the “Manage versions” option.
Accessing and Utilizing Manage Versions
Within the “Manage versions” dialog, select “Upload new version”.
A file explorer window will appear. Navigate to the location of the updated file, select it, and confirm your selection by clicking “Open”.
The “Manage Versions” dialog displays a list of each file version. The most recently uploaded file will be designated as the “Current version”. This feature also provides access to prior versions, allowing for download, permanent storage, or deletion as needed.
Once the upload is complete, click “Close”.
Verifying Link Persistence
Only a single copy of the file remains visible within your Google Drive. Now, when you right-click on the file and select “Get shareable link”…
…the link presented in the “Link sharing” dialog will be identical to the original shareable link.
Related: How to Sync Your Desktop PC with Google Drive (and Google Photos)
Considerations for Desktop App Users
The “Manage versions” functionality is exclusively available when accessing Google Drive via a web browser. If you modify a shared file directly within your PC’s Google Drive folder using the desktop application, changes are automatically synchronized to your online Google Drive account without requiring a separate upload.
Therefore, the “Manage versions” feature isn’t necessary in this scenario. However, it proves invaluable when working on a file offline and subsequently uploading it to replace the older version while retaining the initial shareable link.
- Key Benefit: Avoids the need to redistribute links after file updates.
- Accessibility: Available through the web browser interface of Google Drive.
- Alternative: Direct editing via the desktop app automatically syncs changes.
