If you are the owner of a file, you can restrict download access by following these steps on a computer:
When sharing a file on Google Drive, you have the option to set permissions for viewers, editors, or commenters. But what happens when someone is granted "view" access? Can a viewer on Google Drive download the file?
If you want to restrict downloads, you can: can a viewer on google drive download
For owners, remember that disabling downloads is a helpful barrier, but not an impenetrable wall. For viewers, if the download option is missing, you’ll need to request access from the owner.
Owners can check: Share → Settings (gear icon) → “Viewers can download, print, or copy this file” If this is unchecked , then a Viewer cannot download, print, or copy to their own Drive. If you are the owner of a file,
Here is a quick cheat sheet for Google Drive permissions:
So the restriction is a policy control , not an absolute technical lock. If you want to restrict downloads, you can:
In Google Drive’s consumer (free) version:
Even with this disabled, a determined viewer could still: