By default, when you upload files to Google Drive, Drive automatically tries to convert the files to Google Docs Editor Format. So, for example, Word Docs get converted to Google docs format; Excel worksheets get converted to Google sheets format; and PowerPoint files get converted to Google slides format (click here to see other formats that get converted).

Don't want the file to be converted automatically? No problem. Here's how you can turn off that feature.

  1. Click the settings gear icon to display the settings menu
  2. Choose Settings from the settings menu
  3. On the General settings page, uncheck the box next to "Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format"


Disable automatic file conversion in Google Drive