A Partially Deleted Previous Installation Was Detected Google Drive Top May 2026

  • Mac:

  • Manual Removal:

    • Tools like Revo Uninstaller Free or Geek Uninstaller scan for leftover registry entries after a standard uninstall.

  • Clean the Windows Registry (Windows only)

  • Use Google’s official clean-up tool
    Download and run the Google Drive Cleanup Tool (search Google Help for the latest link). It removes all traces of Drive. Manual Removal:

  • Check for running processes
    Open Task Manager → End tasks like:

    • A partially deleted previous installation of Google Drive ("Drive for desktop") was detected on the system, preventing the current installation/upgrade from completing successfully. The installer identified leftover files, registry entries, or services from a prior installation that conflict with the new setup, causing errors at the top-level installation stage.

    If the computer claims Google Drive isn't installed but the error persists, you need to manually delete the leftover files causing the block.

  • Go back to the Run dialog (Windows Key + R) and type %LOCALAPPDATA%.
  • Look for Google > Drive. Delete this folder as well.
  • Restart your computer and run the installer again.

    • 📌 Pro tip: This error often happens after upgrading from “Backup and Sync” to “Drive for desktop.” Always fully uninstall the old version before installing the new one. Tools like Revo Uninstaller Free or Geek Uninstaller

    This error typically occurs when leftover registry keys or files from a failed or partial uninstallation prevent a new installation. If a standard reboot does not fix the issue, you can resolve it by following these steps to manually clean up remaining components. 1. Clear Leftover Application Data

    Manually deleting the cached settings often bypasses the "partially deleted" detection. %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\ , and press . Delete the folder. Also delete the folder if it exists. Cmd + Shift + G , and paste ~/Library/Application Support/Google/ . Delete the Google Help 2. Remove Installation Directory Files

    Residual files in the main program folders can cause conflicts during reinstall. : Navigate to C:\Program Files\Google\ C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\ . Delete any folders named Drive File Stream /Library/Application Support/Google/ and delete the eddiejackson.net 3. Advanced Cleanup (Windows Only)

    If the above steps fail, you may need to clear specific registry keys or use an installation workaround. delete remnants manually: For Windows:

    Warning: Only use this method if you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry. Incorrect changes can affect system stability.

    If the files are gone but the error persists, the "partially deleted" flag is living in your Registry.

    💡 Pro Tip: If you recently switched from "Backup and Sync" to "Drive for Desktop," this error is very common. Ensure you have manually uninstalled "Backup and Sync" via the Control Panel before trying to install the new "Drive for Desktop" app, as they often conflict with each other.

    If the cleanup tool fails, delete remnants manually:

    For Windows:

    For macOS: