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Technology

Google Drive Desktop Ends Photos Backup from August 10: Here’s How to Switch

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 08 Aug 2026 1 hour ago

Google is ending a feature many users have relied on for years – the ability to back up photos and videos to Google Photos straight through the Google Drive desktop app. From August 10, 2026, this feature will end, meaning Windows and Mac users who’ve been using Drive for desktop to automatically upload their photos will now need to switch to Google Photos itself if they want backups to keep working.

The transition isn’t all of a sudden; Google started things off back on June 15, 2026, and was sending out notifications to users through the Drive for desktop app; but that grace period officially wraps up on August 10.

What’s actually changing

Earlier, Drive for desktop gave users the ease of picking specific folders on their computer and having photos and videos from those folders automatically uploaded to Google Photos, all while regular file syncing with Drive continued in the background.

That flexibility has ended now. Google has already disabled the option to set up new backup folders through the desktop app, and from August 10, the photo backup feature will be removed from Drive for desktop completely. This shift is limited strictly to photo and video backups – everyday file syncing through Google Drive desktop won’t be affected and will keep running as usual.

What happens after August 10

After August 10, Drive for desktop will not support uploading any newly added photos or videos to Google Photos. So, managing photo backups will need to happen directly within the Google Photos app or interface. If you had folders set up for backup through Drive for desktop, you’ll need to go back in and reselect those same folders inside Google Photos to keep automatic uploads running smoothly.

Who needs to pay attention?

This change specifically targets Windows and Mac users who’ve been using Drive for desktop as their go-to method for backing up photos and videos. If you were only using Drive for general file syncing, or if you were already managing your photo backups through Google Photos directly, there’s nothing you need to worry about here.

Are your existing photos safe?

Yes – Google has confirmed that any photos and videos already backed up to Google Photos will remain intact and accessible even after this transition. There’s no need to re-upload anything you’ve already backed up. The update only affects how future photos and videos get uploaded from your computer going forward.

How to keep your backups running

If you want uninterrupted photo backups after August 10, here's what to do:

Launch Google Photos on your computer and log in using the same Google account tied to your backups.

Go to the Backup settings in Google Photos.

Click on “Back up folders” to pick the specific folders on your computer containing your photos and videos.

Make sure to reselect any folders you had previously set up through Drive for desktop.

Save your changes so backups now run through Google Photos instead of Drive for desktop.

Double-check that the Backup toggle is switched on so new photos and videos keep uploading automatically going forward.

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