Application Launcher for Drive

Enables direct opening of Google Drive files in desktop applications.

Quick Launch Solution for Google Drive Files

Application Launcher for Drive is a browser extension designed to streamline the process of opening files stored in Google Drive with native software installed on your Windows PC. Developed by Google, this tool targets users who prefer working with traditional desktop applications—such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe Reader—instead of Google’s web-based productivity tools.

Installation and Setup

Setting up Application Launcher for Drive requires several steps: the Google Drive for desktop software needs to be installed and properly synced with your account. Only after the sync is complete does the extension function as intended, allowing users to trigger their preferred desktop application directly from the Google Drive web interface. The installation process also brings Google’s Docs, Sheets, and Slides desktop shortcuts, which may or may not be relevant depending on user needs.

User Experience and Functionality

Once installed, the extension adds an “Open with” menu option for compatible files in Google Drive. This capability can be especially valuable when dealing with proprietary file formats or when advanced features missing from Google’s web apps are needed. For example, a user might want to open a complex spreadsheet in Excel rather than Google Sheets to preserve intricate formulas or formatting.

However, the extension’s performance is inconsistent. There are reports of the “Open with” option not appearing, or the extension’s icon remaining inactive—even after following all setup instructions. These issues may require browser refreshes, reinstallations, or repeated attempts, which can disrupt workflow efficiency.

Practical Limitations

Compatibility is primarily limited to Chrome-based browsers and files that can be handled by installed applications. Additionally, users must tolerate some lack of flexibility: the extension does not allow configuring advanced file associations or batch operations. Furthermore, as Drive files are primarily stored in the cloud, every file must be available offline or quickly accessible through the Google Drive desktop sync app—failing which, the desired “Open with” functionality won’t work.

Alternatives and Comparisons

For users who only require quick file downloads or wish to save online content to Drive, other extensions like "Save to Google Drive" might provide a more straightforward experience, albeit with different objectives. Application Launcher for Drive is best suited for those whose workflow depends on desktop applications’ advanced capabilities, though the execution may fall short at times.

Conclusion

While the concept behind Application Launcher for Drive offers clear benefits to those wanting tighter integration between Google Drive and desktop applications, inconsistent performance and occasional setup hurdles can limit its practical utility. Users seeking reliability or flexibility may find manual downloading and opening of files to be the more dependable route.