Google wants to be better at backing up your computer’s files. While the company already offers a Drive folder that can be installed on your computer, Google has now officially launched a new way to back up and sync any folder that you point it toward on your computer. If you want, Google Backup & Sync can back up your desktop, entire documents folder, and more.
The new feature is now rolling out to usersin the form of an app called Backup & Sync, and it replaces both theGoogle Photosdesktop uploader andGoogle Drivefor both MacOS and Windows. The app is aimed at regular consumers rather than business users — Google recommends business users stick with the already availableDrive functionality that’s part of its G Suite.
the new Backup and Sync app backs up files and photos from your PC and stores them in Google Drive and Google Photos. You simply install the app, selectPreferences, and then select the folders you want to backup. ClickChoose folderto add other folders outside of the default choices.
You can also choose which files to sync back from Google Drive to your local computer and make available offline. Again, go toPreferencesin the Backup and Sync app, clickGoogle Drive, thenSync My Drive to this computerand specify whether to sync everything or just certain folders.
Finally, the Backup and Sync app can automatically upload files from a phone, camera, SD card, or other removable storage devices. Just go toPreferences, clickUSB devices & SD cards, clickPlug in a camera or phone to backup filesand clickOK.
There aremore options for you to check outonce you’ve installed the app, which is availablehere for Google Driveandhere for Google Photos. One thing, however, is for sure — syncing your entire computer will likely count pretty quickly toward your Google Drive storage limits, which sit in at 15GB for the free version — although you’re able to buy more.
It’s nice to see Drive and Photos getting some upgrades. The Drive app has been around for some time now, and while it has gotten minor upgrades over the years, it has also become a little outdated. Another nice touch — and a necessary one — is that Google says your settings from theGoogle Drive appwill remain untouched after the upgrade, so youshouldn’thave to worry about any of your files being lost or deleted during the switch. The integration with Google Photos is also a nice touch — and means that users should be able to more easily manage their photo libraries.
Updated: Added information on how the new Backup and Sync app works, as well as its availability.
