ExpanDrive is a file management and cloud storage access tool for Windows that lets you connect remote storage services and servers as virtual drives. Once connected, files can be opened, edited, saved, and managed directly from Windows File Explorer and other applications.
Instead of using separate file transfer clients, ExpanDrive integrates remote storage into the Windows file system. It supports cloud storage platforms, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and SMB, making it useful for accessing files stored on remote servers and cloud services.
What’s New
Recent versions of ExpanDrive include improvements to transfer performance, background uploads, cloud storage connectivity, offline synchronization, file search, file versioning, and the Windows user interface. Updates also improve compatibility with modern cloud providers and remote storage services.
Key Features
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Mount cloud storage as a virtual drive in Windows.
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Access remote files directly through Windows File Explorer.
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Open, edit, and save remote files from regular desktop applications.
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Supports multiple cloud storage providers.
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Supports SFTP and SSH-based file access.
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Supports FTP and WebDAV servers.
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Supports SMB and Windows file sharing.
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Background file transfers.
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Multi-threaded transfer engine.
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Offline synchronization for supported storage services.
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File search and remote file management.
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File versioning for supported services.
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Link sharing for supported cloud providers.
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Transfer status indicators and background transfer monitoring.
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Supports multiple remote storage connections.
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Works with Windows applications without requiring a separate transfer client.
Supported Services
ExpanDrive supports a wide range of cloud and remote storage services, including:
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Dropbox
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Google Drive
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Google Workspace and shared drives
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Box
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Microsoft OneDrive
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OneDrive for Business
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SharePoint
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Nextcloud
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Amazon S3
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Backblaze B2
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Wasabi
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IDrive e2
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OpenStack Swift
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SFTP
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FTP
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WebDAV
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SMB and Windows File Sharing
User Interface
ExpanDrive is designed to work primarily through the Windows file system rather than requiring users to manage transfers from a separate file transfer window.
Connected services appear as virtual drives that can be accessed through File Explorer. Users can browse folders, open files, copy data, and save changes using the same workflow they use for local storage.
Background transfers allow files to continue uploading or downloading while users work with other applications.
Installation and Setup
Download the ExpanDrive installer for Windows and run the setup program.
Administrator permissions are required during installation. After installation is complete, the application can normally be used without administrator privileges.
Launch ExpanDrive and select the cloud storage service or remote server you want to connect to. Enter the required account credentials or server information and configure the connection.
Once connected, the remote storage will appear as a virtual drive in Windows File Explorer.
How to Use
Connect a Storage Service
Open ExpanDrive and select a supported cloud provider or remote storage protocol.
Enter Account Information
Provide the required login credentials, server address, port, and other connection details.
Mount the Drive
After authentication, ExpanDrive mounts the remote storage as a virtual drive in Windows.
Manage Files
Open File Explorer and access the mounted drive. You can browse folders, copy files, open documents, and save changes directly to the remote storage.
Transfer Files
Copy files between local drives and the mounted remote storage. ExpanDrive handles transfers in the background where supported.
Configure Multiple Connections
Add additional cloud accounts or remote servers and access them through separate virtual drives.
FAQ
What is ExpanDrive used for?
ExpanDrive is used to access cloud storage and remote servers as virtual drives. It allows users to manage remote files through Windows File Explorer and regular desktop applications.
Does ExpanDrive support SFTP?
Yes. ExpanDrive supports SFTP connections for accessing files stored on SSH-enabled remote servers.
Can ExpanDrive connect to Google Drive?
Yes. ExpanDrive supports Google Drive and supported Google Workspace storage.
Can I edit remote files directly?
Yes. Files stored on supported remote services can be opened and edited from compatible Windows applications, with changes saved back to the remote storage.
Does ExpanDrive support SMB?
Yes. ExpanDrive supports SMB and Windows file sharing for connecting to compatible network storage and servers.
Does ExpanDrive work with Windows File Explorer?
Yes. Connected storage appears as a virtual drive that can be accessed through Windows File Explorer.
Does ExpanDrive work without administrator privileges?
Administrator privileges are generally required for installation, but they are not normally required for everyday use after installation.
Is ExpanDrive free?
No. ExpanDrive is commercial software. A trial version is available for users who want to evaluate the software before purchasing.
Alternatives
Mountain Duck: Mounts remote servers and cloud storage as local drives and supports services such as S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and SFTP.
Cyberduck: A popular file transfer and cloud storage client supporting FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and various cloud services.
WinSCP: A Windows file transfer client focused on SFTP, SCP, FTP, and secure remote file management.
RaiDrive: Mounts cloud storage and network services as virtual drives in Windows.
Pricing
ExpanDrive is commercial software and offers a trial version for evaluation. Licensing and subscription options may vary depending on the current plan and purchase terms.
System Requirements
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Operating System: Windows 7 or later
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Supported versions: Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and compatible Windows Server editions
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Architecture: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows versions are supported
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Processor: Compatible x86 or x64 processor
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Memory: 2 GB RAM or more recommended
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Storage: Sufficient free disk space for installation
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Permissions: Administrator privileges required during installation
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Internet connection: Required for cloud services and remote connections
Pros
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Mounts cloud storage as virtual drives.
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Works directly with Windows File Explorer.
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Supports many cloud and remote storage services.
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Supports SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and SMB.
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Allows remote files to be opened and edited from desktop applications.
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Background transfers improve workflow efficiency.
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Supports multiple storage connections.
Cons
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Commercial software with a paid license.
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Performance depends on network connection and remote service.
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Some advanced features depend on the connected storage provider.
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Requires an internet or network connection for remote storage access.
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Can be more expensive than basic file transfer clients.
Conclusion
ExpanDrive provides a convenient way to access cloud storage and remote servers directly from Windows. By mounting remote storage as virtual drives, it allows users to browse, open, edit, and save files through File Explorer and their existing desktop applications.
With support for cloud services, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, SMB, and background transfers, ExpanDrive is particularly useful for users who regularly work with files stored on remote servers or cloud platforms. Its commercial licensing may not suit occasional users, but it offers a streamlined alternative to traditional file transfer applications.
