Google ends PC folder backup to Photos via Drive app

Google is removing the ability to back up PC folders to Google Photos through the Google Drive desktop app [1]. The company confirmed that this integration will be discontinued, though any items previously backed up via this method will not be affected by the change [1]. Users will need to transition to new methods starting in mid-June as the feature is phased out completely by August [1].

Key takeaways

• The Google Drive desktop app will stop supporting photo and video backups to Google Photos [1].
• Users cannot set up new backup folders starting June 15, with full support ending August 10 [1].
• Google recommends using the Google Photos website or the dedicated web app as alternatives [1].
• Previously backed up items will remain safe and unaffected by the update [1].

Timeline for the shutdown

Google detailed the schedule for this transition on its support page and via email notifications to subscribers [1]. The process begins on June 15, at which point users will no longer be able to set up new backup folders for Google Photos within the Drive desktop app [1]. While existing folders will continue to sync during this interim period, the company will issue in-app notifications to alert users of the impending change [1]. The feature will be fully terminated on August 10, when the Drive desktop app will cease all support for Google Photos backups [1].

Recommended alternatives for users

To continue backing up media from a computer, Google recommends setting up the "Back up folders" feature directly through the Google Photos website [1]. Users can access this option by clicking the plus icon in the top right corner of the site [1]. However, this approach has a significant limitation: backups will only occur while the Google Photos website is open in a browser, preventing seamless background operation [1]. The company also suggests using the Google Photos web app as an alternative, which does allow backups to run in the background [1]. This solution, however, requires users to run two separate applications instead of relying on the single Drive desktop app [1].

Why it matters

This decision impacts power users who have utilized the Drive desktop app to manage media backups across multiple platforms [2]. The removal of this integration creates a less streamlined workflow, as users must now choose between a manual browser-based process or maintaining multiple background applications [1]. Although previously backed up content remains safe, the change forces a significant adjustment in how PC users interact with Google’s cloud storage services [1].