From October 1st, Backup and Sync will stop working, so you'll need to make the transition to keep backing up your files with Drive.

Google will prompt Backup and Sync users to switch over to Drive for desktop. Google renamed the app to Drive for desktop, and it will gain features from Backup and Sync in the coming months. There's also integration with Microsoft Outlook and Meet scheduling, and you'll be able to see who's editing Microsoft Office files in real time.ĭrive File Stream users won't have to do much. On top of that, you can sync local folders such as your desktop and documents. For individual users, you can use Google’s Backup & Sync to backup photos, any folder and sync your entire Google Drive folder with the Mac (like Dropbox). In addition, you'll be able to mirror Drive files on your computer, with locally stored versions of files for faster access. Google has decided to merge two of its backup and syncing utilities for Mac Google Drive and Google Photos Uploader into a brand new app that does everything that the two app did. There's the option to sync external storage devices with the cloud as well. You will be able to upload and sync your photos and videos across Google Photos as well as Drive. The new app combines the best parts of Backup and Sync and Drive File Stream, according to Google. Given that Google Workspace is now available to everyone, it doesn't make a lot of sense to have separate sync methods. The company is rolling out the new Drive for desktop app on Mac and Windows.ĭrive for desktop will replace the Backup and Sync app (which supplanted the Google Drive desktop app in 2018) as well as Drive File Stream, which is for business users.

Google is streamlining how Drive users backup and sync their files.

Google backup and sync app for mac