Google Drive has undergone a major change, ending automatic Photos backups on desktops. This also marks the end of automatic syncing with Drive and Photos. Hence, users will now have to manually create backups directly in Google Photos. Google Drive previously allowed users to automatically back up their photos in an organized, searchable manner directly from their desktops. Google has officially discontinued this possibility on August 10, 2026, ending Google Photos support in Google Drive.
This step marks the last and only syncing connection between Google Drive and Photos, following their separation in 2019. Nevertheless, it doesn’t harm the photos that are already saved in your Drive. Additionally, desktop users can add photos and videos from Google Drive to Google Photos following specific steps.
In this blog, we’ll explore the big change in Google Drive Photos backup, what happens to existing photos in Google Drive, why Google has announced this change, and how to add photos from Google Drive to Photos. So, let’s get started...
Google Discontinued Drive Support for Google Photos Backup for Desktop:
Google has announced the discontinuation of automatic photo syncing from desktops to Google Drive. The change came into effect on August 10, 2026. It reflects a significant change in Google’s backup procedure, separating Drive and Photos during syncing. As the reports reveal, users will not need to save photos and videos on Drive, and the services will continue specifically on Photos. Notably, Drive can still store photos, only the feature of automatic syncing and backup is ending.
In short, the automatic syncing between Drive and Photos has officially ended. Previously, users saved photos on Drive and, through automatic sync, could access them on Photos. This possibility has come to an end. Google has not launched a desktop app for Google Photos yet. So, users can visit the Photos website and create backups.
Google divided Drive and Photos back in 2019. However, Drive could still automatically back up photos from desktops alongside other files. This connection has come to an end. So, if you have been using Google Drive to automatically back up your desktop photos and access them in Google Photos, that feature is no longer available. You will now have to upload photos and videos directly to Google Photos to create a backup.
What Happens to the Existing Photos on Google Drive?
Existing photos stored in Google Drive remain safe and accessible. They can still be searched, organized, and shared within Google Drive. Notably, changes made in Drive will be applicable to Drive only and won’t cause any changes in Photos, and vice versa. The step will specifically change storage and backup practices after August 10.
However, Google Drive Photos backup is now and in the future prevented. Now, users have to use Google Photos only for photo backup. So, if you have been using Drive to back up photos, it’s time to switch to Photos.
How to Upload Photos and Videos to Google Photos from Browser?
Users can upload photos and videos easily on Google Photos through a browser.
- Visit photos.google.com from a browser on your computer.
- Select Create and add photos + in the top right corner.
- Select Import Photos under Add Photos.
- Find and select photos or videos you want to upload.
- Select Open, and you are all set.
Notably, you can also drag and drop photos directly from your desktop into the desired Google Photos folder to upload and create backups.
Google has additionally released a support guide on how to upload and back up photos on Google Photos through Android devices, iPhone, and iPad. Follow the steps to back up photos using Google Photos.
What to Ensure Before Backing Up Photos and Videos in Google Photos?
Users must ensure specific elements before they back up photos and videos in Google Photos. Here are some aspects you can’t miss-
- Ensure there is a good internet connection.
- Compatible file sizes for backup:
- Photos up to 200 MB or 200 MP.
- Videos up to 10 GB.
- The files must be larger than 256x256 resolution.
- Compatible file types for backup:
- Photos: .jpg, .heic, .heif, .png, .webp, .gif, .avif, and most RAW files.
- Videos: .mpg, .mod, .mmv, .tod, .wmv, .asf, .avi, .divx, .mov, .m4v, .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .m2t, .m2ts, .mts, and .mkv files.
- Compatible file formats for backup:
- 10-bit HDR videos.
- Topshot (Pixel only).
- Slow-mo.
- Depth videos.
- Motion photos.
- Live photos where users use the Google Photos app on iPhone or iPad.
How to Add Photos from Google Drive to Google Photos?
The elements discussed above are also applicable when adding photos and videos from Drive to Photos. Here are the steps to follow to add files from Drive to Photos on a computer-
- Visit photos.google.com through a browser on your computer.
- Click Add + on the top right.
- Click Google Drive.
- Find and select photos you want to add.
- Press Upload.
Why Did Google End Google Drive Photos Backup on Desktop?
Google has ended Google Drive Photos backup and separated Photos for a simplified backup ecosystem. Enabling Photos to manage, store, and organize pictures marks a shift toward a dedicated, web-based photo management approach. Drive previously stored every file, be it a document, photo, or video, together, making their organization complex. However, the separation between Drive and Photos will allow Google to offer dedicated but different platforms to manage documents and photos.
Additionally, the step will streamline workflows, eliminating the possibility of overlapping syncing. Previously, syncing between Drive and Photos caused the creation of duplicates, leading to confusion and unnecessary storage usage. The split between Drive and Photos addresses this challenge, making Google’s backup services more useful for users.
Concluding Remarks!
The discontinuation of Google Drive photos backup and syncing with Photos does not create risk for any of your files. Existing files stay intact even after syncing has ended. However, if you are someone who has been using Drive to back up photos, you might have to change your approach. Additionally, moving existing photos from Drive to Photos will make your backup strategy more effective, keeping every file in the right place.
You can access Photos on your desktop by visiting photos.google.com. Google already has a dedicated Photos app for Android, iPhone, and iPad. KnowledgeNile analyzes every major technological shift, advancement, and announcement to deliver accurate information to you and keep you updated.
FAQs:
1. How do I check my backup photos on Google Drive?
Answer: Google Drive photos backup is no longer available. Additionally, automatic syncing of the two platforms has also ended. So, users can create and check photo backups on Google Photos directly.
2. Is it better to keep photos in Google Photos or Google Drive?
Answer: Since Google has made Photos a dedicated platform to manage, organize, and back up photos, it is better to use Google Photos for photo backups.
3. Where are Google Photos stored?
Answer: Google Photos are stored securely in the Google Cloud storage network that is linked to your personal Google account.
4. What is the disadvantage of Google Photos?
Answer: Limited free storage is a huge disadvantage of Google Photos. It only offers 15 GB of free space, which is shared across Google services.
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