ExpanDrive: cloud and remote server mounting software is now free for personal use

Solutions to display files on remote servers or cloud storage on desktop PCs existed for a long time. From basic apps from specific cloud providers, for example Google Drive or OneDrive, to multi-platform solutions.

ExpanDrive is such a solution. It enables you to connect to various cloud storage services to display them as drives in File Explorer, Finder and other file managers.

The service was entirely commercial previously, but its recent acquisition by Files.com has changed that. A new free plan is now available, which Files says is "perfect for individuals or small teams".

It supports all major features of the service. You can use the desktop apps to mount cloud storage as local drives. Files says it works with all major cloud services and popular protocols, including FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV. ExpanDrive supports offline access.

The catch? Users get community-based support only and may connect up to 10 users or devices per year. The Business edition costs $99 per month and expands devices or users to 50, includes access to the server edition of ExpanDrive and the web management console.

You may download the latest version of ExpanDrive for all supported operating systems from the developer website. The Windows installer is a bit on the heavy side, with its 230 megabytes.

First thing you need to do is click on the register button to create a new account. You are asked for a name and email only, and get to the integration screen right thereafter.

Here you see all the supported services and protocol that you can integrate on the desktop system.

ExpanDrive supports OneDrive, SharePoint, IDrive e2, Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, Box.com, Azure Storage, Backblaze B2, Nextcloud, hubiC, Wasabi, and Strongspace. Additionally, you may connect remote servers using FTP, SSH (SFTP), SMB/CIFS, and WebDav.

Activation of an option may display a sign in prompt or a prompt to enter server information manually. When you select SFTP, you are asked to add the server address, username, password, authentication information, and more.

A drive letter may be assigned to each service, which is then shown in the file manager. The option to mount services as read only is also provided, at least for some.

Repeat the process for any other storage service that you want to integrate on your desktop systems. You may use it to manage linked files and folders, but need to understand that file transfers still need to happen before you can open a file, provided that it has not been cached locally already.

Verdict

ExpanDrive is a versatile cross-platform solution to mount various cloud storage services and remote servers on desktop systems. The free version should be good enough for most home users, considering that it allows you to mount up to ten different services as drive letters on your desktop systems.

Now You: do you mount cloud storage or remote servers on your desktop systems? If so, which program do you use for that purpose and why? Feel free to leave a comment down below.