> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.expandrive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.expandrive.com/readme.md).

# ExpanDrive Overview

ExpanDrive mounts cloud storage and remote servers as native drives on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Files appear in Finder, File Explorer, and desktop applications alongside local files, so you can open, edit, save, and move remote content without learning a separate file-management interface.

Files stream on demand instead of requiring a complete synchronized copy on your computer. When you need selected files without a network connection, ExpanDrive can keep them in a local offline cache and synchronize your changes after you reconnect.

ExpanDrive is a Files.com product. The desktop application is free for personal use and organizations with up to 10 users or devices, while paid plans add team deployment, Server Edition, and support.

## ExpanDrive Basics

Start with the product behavior that matters for your workflow:

* [How ExpanDrive Works](/how-expandrive-works.md) explains mounted drives, on-demand file access, and the difference between ordinary online use and Offline Access.
* [Installation and System Requirements](/installation-and-system-requirements.md) covers supported operating systems, downloads, updates, and removal.
* [Connections](/connections.md) groups cloud content platforms, object storage, and file-transfer protocols by the kind of system being mounted.
* [Offline Access](/offline-access.md) explains how to keep selected content available without a network connection.
* [ExpanDrive Website](/expandrive-website.md) explains account registration, subscription and billing controls, Team Deployment, and access to Server Edition.

## One Drive for Cloud Storage and Remote Servers

A single ExpanDrive installation can connect to multiple storage providers and servers at the same time. Each connection appears as a mounted drive and uses the provider's native authentication and API or a standard protocol such as SFTP, FTP, or WebDAV.

[Connections](/connections.md) covers Amazon S3, Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, Box, Backblaze B2, Wasabi, IDrive e2, Nextcloud, SFTP, FTP/FTPS, WebDAV, and other supported connection types.

## Desktop and Server Use

Use the desktop application when a person needs remote files in Finder, File Explorer, or another application on a macOS, Windows, or Linux computer. [Offline Access](/offline-access.md) can keep selected content locally while the rest remains available on demand.

Use [Server Edition](/server-edition.md) for unattended or headless Windows Server and Linux installations. It runs as a system service, can mount storage for system processes, and can re-share a mounted drive over SMB on Windows.

The [ExpanDrive Website](/expandrive-website.md) is the account hub for ExpanDrive. Use it to create or upgrade an account, manage subscription and billing details, configure [Team Deployment](/expandrive-website/team-deployment.md), and access Server Edition downloads and activation controls.

## Security and Credentials

ExpanDrive uses encrypted transport when the connection supports it. OAuth connections send the user to the storage provider for authentication rather than collecting the provider password inside ExpanDrive. [Security](/security.md) explains authentication, encryption, and the plain-FTP exception.

## Plans and Product Fit

The Free license covers the desktop application within the limits described under [Pricing and Licenses](/pricing-and-licenses.md). The ExpanDrive Website is available for account and subscription management. Paid plans add Team Deployment, Server Edition, and technical support.

Choose ExpanDrive when people or server processes need cloud storage to behave like a mounted drive. Choose [Files.com](https://www.files.com/) when you need a managed cloud file-orchestration platform for automations, hosted SFTP or AS2, centralized audit history, compliance reporting, or transfers between systems without mounting them as a local drive.