What is a UW-Madison Google Workspace account?

A UW-Madison Google Workspace account is a free Google account that provides access to applications such as:

• Google Drive
• Google Docs
• Google Sheets
• Google Groups
• and more.

Eligible UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students have access to this service for free.

Additional features include:

• Additional protection for intellectual property
• No ads
• Ability to create a Shared drive
• Technical support for core apps is available through the DoIT Help Desk
• Credentials are not stored in Google services
• Assigned a Google Workspace for Education license
• Covered by UW-Madison Google Workspace Terms of Service
• and more.

Note: The availability of applications and features is subject to change without notice.

How does a personal Google account differ from a UW-Madison Google Workspace account?

Some differences for individuals using a personal Google account include:

• 15 GB of free storage, need to pay for more storage.
• Cannot create a Shared drive.
• Data is not protected by the UW-Madison Google Workspace Terms of Service.
• Difficult to receive technical support from Google.
• UW-Madison cannot assure users where their data is stored.
• Users will be subject to the jurisdiction in the courts of California in any legal proceedings.
• Representation by UW-Madison Legal Services cannot be assumed.

How can I tell which account I am logged into?

Below are quick tips on how to recognize which account you're logged into.

Distinguishing feature	Personal Google account (@gmail.com)	UW-Madison Google Workspace account (@wisc.edu)
Logo	No UW-Madison logo	UW-Madison logo
Storage quota	15 GB storage limit	25 GB storage limit - Read more
Shared drive option	The New button is grayed out and unavailable when Shared drive is selected.	The New button is available to create new Shared drives.

How can I keep my personal Google account separate from my UW-Madison Google Workspace account?

Below are quick tips on how to keep your personal Google account separate from your UW-Madison Google Workspace account.

• • (Highly recommended) Create separate browser profiles using Google Chrome.
    • See UW-Madison Google Workspace - Working with Multiple Google Accounts Simultaneously

    No, do not add another Google account.	Yes, create a separate Chrome profile.

  • Use separate browsers for each account.
    • For example, you can use Firefox for your personal Google account and Google Chrome for your UW-Madison Google Workspace account.
      
      
  • Assign a different photo for each account.
    • Learn how to add or change your profile picture.