Try these three basic steps first. If they do not work, skip directly to the "Nuclear Option" section below.
# Close all Google Drive processes taskkill /f /im GoogleDriveFS.exe
Unfortunately, that lock sometimes remains engaged even after the "danger" (the old installation) is gone. By manually removing the Windows Service, purging the AppData folders, and scrubbing the registry keys, you reset the lock. The solution requires patience and caution, especially when editing the registry, but following the steps outlined above will restore your ability to install Google Drive for Desktop without formatting your hard drive or contacting Google Support. Try these three basic steps first
The installer will fail if the Windows Service still exists.
Historically, Google provided a standalone drive_fs_cleanup.exe tool. As of 2024/2025, this tool is no longer actively distributed for the new "Google Drive for Desktop" build. Attempting to find it on third-party sites is risky. Do not use outdated cleanup scripts from forums. By manually removing the Windows Service, purging the
Open ( Ctrl + Shift + Esc ). Look for any of the following processes. If found, right-click and select End Task :
, or are you still seeing a specific error code like 0x80040705 ? Historically, Google provided a standalone drive_fs_cleanup
The error typically occurs when the Google Drive for Desktop installer finds leftover registry keys, cached folders, or pending file rename operations from a failed or incomplete uninstallation. Even after multiple reboots, these "ghost" traces signal to the installer that a version of the software is still present, blocking a fresh installation. Core Troubleshooting Steps
On macOS, the error presents similarly. Here is the equivalent cleanup: