U-M Google Updates

Reminder: Update for Google Drive shared links coming Sept. 13

8/17/2021

On September 13, 2021, Google will apply an update to Google Drive that will change the links used to share some non-Google files (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF) created before November 2017. Built-in Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms will not be impacted. 

If you received an email from Google with the subject line, “Security update for Drive,” the week of July 26, please review the list of your files provided by Google that this update will impact. You can find more information and the steps you should take on the Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ.  

Note: ITS does not recommend removing this update, even for files posted publicly.

Make the switch from Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop

8/10/2021

Google has announced their timeline for transitioning users from Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop (formerly Google Drive File Stream). Drive for desktop allows you to sync local folders to Google Drive, sync files between your computer and the cloud, and upload files to Google Drive from external devices.

According to Google, the changes began on July 19, 2021, with the release of a setup wizard to help you transition to Drive for desktop. ITS recommends completing this transition by August 18. If you haven’t transitioned by then, you will receive in-app notifications prompting you to transition to Drive for desktop until you do so. Backup and Sync will no longer be available as of October 1.

Screenshot of Google Drive, text says "Google Drive for desktop is replacing Backup and Sync".

For additional information on this change, refer to Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop transition.

Follow-up: Update for Google Drive shared links

7/27/2021

Google notified many U-M Google users on Monday, July 26, about an update that will make file sharing even more secure. ITS is aware of the communication and is following up with the university community about the update.

On September 13, 2021, Google will apply an update to Google Drive that will change the links used to share some non-Google files (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF) created before November 2017. Built-in Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms will not be impacted.

Access to the impacted files won’t change for people who have already viewed them or have direct access, but the update may cause owners of affected files to receive some new file access requests. Google has provided a link to view a list of files that the update will impact in their email to affected users.

If you received the email notification from Google on Monday, please refer to Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ for more information on who is impacted, what impact this will have on you, and what steps you should take. 

Note: ITS does not recommend removing this update, even for files posted publicly.

"Security update will be applied to Drive" email screenshot

Indicate whether you’ll join a meeting virtually or in-person on Google Calendar

7/27/2021

Google has announced they will be adding new RSVP options for Google Calendar event invitations. With this update, you can indicate how you plan to join a meeting if you are attending: “In a meeting room” or “Joining virtually.” This will allow both the organizer and guests to see how attendees are planning to join the meeting in the event details. As the university continues to rethink how we work, this feature will help attendees know what to expect when joining a meeting and prepare accordingly.

Note that if you select the new RSVP options, the new join method details (e.g., “joining virtually”) are not shared with contacts on other platforms, such as Microsoft Outlook. In addition, the new RSVP options will initially only be available on Google Calendar and will be coming to calendar invitations in Gmail soon. Refer to Respond to event invitations for more information.

"Yes," "Yes, in a meeting room," and "Yes, joining virtually."

According to Google, this feature began rolling out to U-M Google on July 22, 2021 and could take 15 days or longer to become fully visible.

Update for Google Drive shared links coming soon

7/22/2021

Beginning next week, Google is expected to email many U-M Google users about an update that will make file sharing even more secure. ITS is aware of the communication and is proactively alerting the university community about the update.

On September 13, 2021, Google will apply an update to Google Drive that will change the links used to share some non-Google files (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF) created before November 2017. Built-in Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms will not be impacted by this update.

Access to the impacted files won’t change for people who have already viewed them or who have direct access, but the update may cause owners of affected files to receive some new file access requests. Google will provide a link to view a list of files that will be impacted by the update in their email to affected users next week.

Refer to Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ for more information on who is impacted, what impact this will have on you, and what steps you should take.

"Security update will be applied to Drive"