The redesigned Backup and Sync app is a definite step up from Google’s old, outdated Drive and Photos apps. Google provides a reasonable 15GB of storage for free, although this is shared with your Gmail account, and has a number of competitively priced upgrades – the 100GB plan is $1.99 a month or it’s $9.99 a month for 1TB or $99.99 a month. There’s nothing particularly special about the app – it’s been redesigned with a modern look and feel, and we like the new feature that allows you to back up user folders without having to move them inside your Google Drive folder.
Finally, Settings is where you go to autostart Backup and Sync with your computer, plus access Network Settings (if you find your internet connection becomes sluggish during file sync, click this and set a limit to the upload rate – say 75% of your total upload speed). Select Google Drive to switch between syncing everything online with your computer or just your choice of folders.
Here you have three tabs: My Computer is where you connect folders from your PC to your Google Drive storage for continuous backup protection, plus configure photo and video uploading (choose between original quality with file limits, or high quality with no limits) as well as switch on Google Photos. The pop-up also lets you track the progress of file syncing.Ĭlick the ≡ button to temporarily pause sync, plus access the app’s preferences. The app is simple to use – once installed, an icon appears in your Taskbar Notification Area or menu bar – click this for an overview, plus access shortcut buttons to your local Google Drive folder as well as online links to your Drive and Photos accounts. It not only combines the functionality of Google’s discontinued Drive and Photos apps, but also now allows you to specify folders on your hard drive that you’d like to back up to Google Drive without moving them from their original location. 1.Google Backup and Sync is the new tool you’ll need to sync your Google-hosted files and photos with your Mac and Windows PCs.
To download and install Backup and Sync in macOS: On your computer, click. Choose your sync settings and click Next.
If you’re currently using Drive File Stream, make sure you upgrade to the latest version (now named Google Drive for desktop) by Oct. Sign in with your Google Account username and password. Click Open Drive for desktop at the end of the wizard to get started.If applicable, after Google Drive for desktop is set up, Backup and Sync will be uninstalled.We will provide 3 months’ notice for Google Workspace admins and end users before the deadline to transition to Drive for desktop. We will share more details later this year on how Backup and Sync users can get started with Drive for desktop. The wizard will copy your settings and guide you through setup. We’ll announce when Drive for desktop is ready for Backup and Sync users.If the account you are signing in with is also signed into Backup and Sync on your computer, a setup wizard will launch.Also make sure you have Cardinal Key installed and enabled for each of your web browsers.) (Note: If you’re unable to authenticate due to Cardinal Key enforcement, verify your devices appear in MyDevices and they show as compliant. Then, sign in with your Google Account and set it up. If you have multiple accounts signed in to Backup and Sync, you will be given the opportunity to move them all to Drive for desktop. After removing Backup and Sync from your PC or Mac, re-download the Backup and Sync client and reinstall it.
Update 7/12: With the rollout already under way for some.
Any users still on Backup and Sync or Drive File Stream after Oct.
18, 2021, to avoid receiving notifications from Google.